World YWCA Board commits to strengthen work on violence against women and HIV and AIDS in preparation for World Council 2011
The World YWCA Board, representing women leaders from diverse walks of life, came together from October 6-10, 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. The World Board deliberated extensively on the theme for the next YWCA World Council 2011, building on the work of the movement in the previous and current quadrennium which has continued to centre on providing services to communities, responding to HIV and AIDS, and building the leadership of young women.
"We are excited that YWCA World Council 2011 will explore the importance of women's personal security. It addresses a very current and relevant issue facing women globally in a number of contexts including violence against women, HIV and AIDS and young women’s leadership,‘’ said World YWCA President Susan Brennan.
The YWCA-YMCA Switzerland also expressed excitement for the upcoming World Council in Zurich, Switzerland. '' We are proud to be the host association for the YWCA World Council in 2011,'' said Marlies Petrig, former President of the YWCA-YMCA Switzerland who attended World Board meeting along with a steering committee from the national association.
The Board encouraged the World YWCA to enhance its issue-based global advocacy work, with a continued emphasis on HIV and AIDS and violence against women. The Board endorsed violence against women as one of the signature programmes, in addition to HIV and AIDS, to be developed and implemented by World YWCA over the quadrennium. '' Globally, at least one in three women is beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. There must be an end to violence against women," said Brennan.
In line with two of the resolutions adopted at World Council 2007; one on peace in the Middle East and the other on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, a Peace with Justice Taskforce was established to address the issues of injustice worldwide.
The World Board established a single grant making mechanism under the YWCA Power to Change Fund; allowing for one application from member associations annually. Member association projects and global initiatives will be distributed from the YWCA Power to Change Fund. ''The YWCA Power to Change Fund will deliver significant leadership outcomes for women,'' said Brennan.
The Board evaluated the World YWCA activities against the Standards of Good Management and Accountability. A review of 35 YWCA national constitutions highlighted that 31 of them have a mission consistent with the World YWCA’s purpose.
Capacity building of the YWCA movement was also discussed in length. It was recommended that trainings on the Standards of Good Management and Accountability and young women’s leadership within the YWCA movement would take priority in YWCA regional and international training institutes.
Bonnie Lou Fatio, World YWCA Ambassador, facilitated a skills session on fundraising and the importance of communicating positively and the Board had an opportunity to engage in a donor dialogue with representatives of long standing partners HorYzon, ICCO and World Service Council and exchange stories on communicating with grantees.
Brennan stated the last year had been one of real achievement for the YWCA movement. ‘’Through the inspiring talents of our General Secretary Nyaradzayi and the magnificent staff in the World Office, the World YWCA has started to deliver on our World Strategic Framework 2008-2012, to live out the Nairobi 2007 Call to Action, to act on the resolutions passed at World Council and to support our YWCA members to work within the revised Constitution,'' said Brennan.
World YWCA General Secretary Nyardzayi Gumbonzvanda also affirmed the work of the YWCA movement. ''The Board meets at a moment when women and girls continue to face many challenges for the actualisation of their potential and full affirmation of their contribution. Yet, it is also a time the women of the world, including in the YWCA, continue to organise and mobilise for leadership—as they have done for centuries,'' said Gumbonzvanda.
Brennan closed the meeting by thanking Board members, staff, volunteers, donors and partners. '' I am honoured to be the World YWCA President. I am continually amazed at the work of the YWCA at the local, regional, national and global level to empower women. I look forward to World Council 2011, Switzerland as we work for the benefit of YWCAs and women everywhere.''
Related Stories
