Earthquake in Chile – The YWCA movement in Solidarity
The World YWCA stands in solidarity with the people of Chile as they recover from the massive earthquake of February 27, 2010.
On February 27, 2010 an earthquake of magnitude 8.8 struck along the coastline of central Chile. Last news indicates that there have been near to 800 deaths. Approximately 2 million people have been affected and thousands have lost their homes and livelihoods. The earthquake was one of the five most powerful on record, the most powerful being the 1960 earthquake in Chile, which registered 9.5 on the Richter scale.
The World YWCA stands in solidarity with the people of Chile and sisters of the YWCA of Chile. The World Office in Geneva has received news from Letty B Vicuña, General Secretary of the YWCA of Chile, who reassured that members of the YWCA of Chile are all well. “Thank god we have not been so affected by this catastrophe. However, what makes me feel anxious now is that the earthquakes gradually increase in intensity. How will the next one be?” says Vicuña. Indeed, there have been reports today ( March 4) of strong aftershocks areas devastated by last week's earthquake in central Chile.
The YWCA of Chile has a long history of providing educational programmes for women and girls as it started its activities in 1921. Present in the north of Chile, in Valparaiso, Santiago and Quillota, the YWCA of Chile focuses on capacity building for women and provides workshops on leadership development, sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS and violence against women.
