Read past issues (2001 - 2007)
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| Issue 136 - December 2007: Exploring challenges women face when they migrate 
One of the effects of globalisation, poverty and insecurity has been the movement of people and the creation of a global village. In this issue of Common Concern we explore the complex reality of migration in terms of women’s rights, gender discrimination and consider approaches to empowering migrant women. It is a paradox that the idea of a global village is often equated with equal access to opportunities, resource and respect for the dignity of individuals, yet at the same time, migrants, particularly women migrants, continue to face problems like restricted migration laws, lack of opportunities for decent work and social barriers to full integration. Countries are increasingly protecting their resources and their borders while at the same time demanding a share of the global opportunities! It is in recognition of the above that the World YWCA Council adopted a resolution on women migrant workers that calls on the movement to raise awareness on the challenges women migrant workers face and the increasing incidences of trafficking in women, particularly in Asia. It is equally important for us to showcase some of the practical approaches and response that the YWCA movement is putting in place as part of the woman-to-woman solidarity. The World YWCA continues to rise to such challenges with its trade-mark approach of providing a safe and secure temporary shelter, accompanied by skills building, social integration, and solidarity. The article shared by the YWCA of Korea amplifies this approach. The YWCA movement derives its strength from telling the stories of individual women; this Common Concerns features the stories of young women from diverse communities who have faced various challenges as migrants: from women displaced as a result of war and violence to HIV-positive women who experience barriers in accessing treatment. Download: |
| Issue 135 - September 2007: World YWCA Council 2007 Popular Report 
The World YWCA Council and International Women’s Summit were unprecedented in many ways. Over 80% of the YWCA movement was present for the World YWCA Council, with over 100 nationalities representing close to 95 associations, while the International Women’s Summit brought together women from every rung of society for the first ever international conference on women and AIDS. Through pictures, quotes and articles, this special edition of Common Concern reports on the outcomes, successes and highlights of the eleven-day meeting. Download:
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| Issue 134 - June 2007: Strengthening the Global AIDS Response 
This Common Concern explores ways of strengthening the global response to HIV and AIDS. It highlights actions that can make a difference for women and girls, and the visions and hopes of young women. This issue also reveals some orators’ name who will speak during the World Council 2007 and the International Women’s Summit in Nairobi this July. They represent some of the world’s most impressive women leaders. Download: Strengthening the Global AIDS Response |
| Issue 133 - March 2007: From Brisbane to Nairobi: Advocating for Women & Girls 
In anticipation of this year's World YWCA Council in July 2007, the feature article in this issue of Common Concern reflects on the World YWCA's activities in the past four years, since the last World YWCA Council in Brisbane. 'From Brisbane to Nairobi' highlights the programmes and activities the World YWCA has initiated including its work in human rights,particularly regarding women's role in peace making. Among other activities,the feature reports on the organizations achievements in assisting women gain financial independence and its contribution to the global response to HIV and AIDS. Download: From Brisbane to Nairobi: Advocating for Women & Girls |
Issue 132 - December 2006: Engaging young Women
Developing leadership of women and girls is central to the YWCA's mission and programmes around the world. This issue of Common Concern highlights some of the ways YWCAs engage women and girls at an early age and the effect young leadership has on the movement, and the world. Download: Engaging Young Women |
| Issue 131 - September 2006: Planning for Success 
Why is succession planning an important issue for the YWCA today? What is the best way to appoint a new CEO? These questions are explored and answered in the latest issue of Common Concern which features insights on the need for careful planning to ensure the smooth transition of a leader’s departure and tips on recruiting for top managerial positions. Also in this issue, a World Executive Committee member reflects on young women’s participation on boards and YWCAs progress in integrating young women into leadership. Mónica Zetzsche reports on her visit to Southern Africa where she witnessed the impact YWCA has had on the lives of women; Sophie Dilmitis reports on YWCA participation at the International Aids Conference in Toronto, Canada. In preparation for World Council 2007, read about the beauty and excitement Kenya has to offer as the host country and learn about the YWCA of Kenya's initiatives that are changing lives like their Alternative Rights of Passage programme, among others. Download: Planning for Success |
| Issue 130 - June 2006: Human Rights. Fighting Violence Against Women in Papua New Guinea 
The latest edition of Common Concern highlights World YWCA efforts to advance economic justice for women and girls ,and explores solutions to widespread domestic violence in Papua New Guinea. It reports on the impact of 21 years of war in Sudan on women and girls. Common Concern also highlights how the YWCA of China has been able to '"ride the tides of change" throughout its 116 year old history and the association's current work to meet the needs of migrant workers, unemployed women and people with disabilities. The World YWCA also announces a new Awareness Ambassador for the global movement, Her Royal Highness, Princess Basma Bint Talal of Jordan, and shares the latest news on the World YWCA Council to be held in Kenya in July 2007. Download Human Rights. Fighting Violence Against Women in Papua New Guinea |
| Issue 129 - March 2006: Changing Lives, Changing Communities -- World YWCA Council 2007 
This issue of Common Concern is that of the next World Council: “ Changing Lives, Changing Communities” In July 2007, the World YWCA will convene the World Council in Nairobi, Kenya, for member associations to share changes being made in their communities and establish the way forward. Alongside its Council, an International Women’s Summit (IWS) - the first-ever such summit to tackle HIV and AIDS - will be convened from 4 to 7 July 2007. It will bring together women leaders engaged in the fight against HIV and AIDS, policy-makers, representatives of international nongovernmental and faith-based organisations, researchers, advocates and other stakeholders. The first day of the Summit will be devoted to a meeting of positive women.
Download Changing Lives, Changing Communities -- World YWCA Council 2007 Download Common Concern PDF (1.3MB) |
| Issue 128 - December 2005: YWCA Women Celebrate Motherhood 
Common Concern December 2005
The latest Common Concern examines motherhood as a symbol of life and sustainability, and YWCA support services for mothers including workshops and therapy training for young single mothers in the USA; community parenting in New Zealand, and working with mothers and children to prevent abuse in Sri Lanka. In this issue you will also find inspirational stories from women living positively with HIV/AIDS and creating change in the lives of those around them. You can also take a glimpse at how the World YWCA proudly celebrated the organisation’s 150th anniversary, in the presence of the Honorary Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, who credits the YWCA with developing her leadership. Download YWCA Women celebrate motherhood |
| Issue 127 - Septemer 2005: Special AIDS Edition 
Common Concern September 2005
Common Concern includes a special focus on the World YWCA’s work on Women and AIDS. In an interview, General Secretary, Musimbi Kanyoro reflects on five years of progress in mobilising the YWCA’s resources and vast networks in the fight against the pandemic. Programmes that are making an impact at the grassroots are highlighted through Around the Globe including peer counselling in Botswana, the child-headed households programme in Rwanda, community based care in Uganda and information and education in Albania. In Young Women on the Move, three positive young women share their ideas for reducing rising HIV infection rates among their peers. This edition also includes an overview of the World YWCA’s Global Strategy on Women and AIDS, global partnerships and relevant resources. Download Special AIDS Edition |
| Issue 126 - June 2005: Empowering Women Through the MDGs 
As the five-year review of the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) approaches, the latest edition of Common Concern explores what these goals mean for women’s lives. Examining the progress and shortcomings in implementation, this issue urges women’s groups to get involved with the process in their countries. Dr Musimbi Kanyoro, General Secretary of the World YWCA underlines this point saying, “The YWCA has always strived for a society where access to education, health and clean water, and the care for the environment is ensured. The eight Millennium Development Goals touch every aspect of the YWCAs work. In addition to holding governments responsible, YWCAs must build political will to be part of the solutions.”The issue shares how women are bringing the MDGs to life in their communities, and practical actions that can contribute to achieving the MDGs. Download Empowering women through the MDGs |
| Issue 125 - March 2005: Honouring the Past - the Early Beginnings 
As YWCAs around the world are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the first YWCA, this edition of the Common Concern pays tribute to the global movement’s rich history. Download this issue and you will learn the story of our roots, young women’s visions for our future, and ways that you can act today to continue our legacy of empowering women. |
| Issue 124 - December 2004: Common Concern Explores Women, Girls and HIV and AIDS,
With the recent World AIDS Day focus on women and girls, this edition of Common Concern focuses on mobilising women’s leadership on the AIDS epidemic. Key questions about the reasons behind rising infection rates among women and girls are answered, and World YWCA General Secretary, Musimbi Kanyoro, explores how we can bridge the gap between good intentions and concrete actions that make a difference. The latest Common Concern also features updates on the YWCA Global Campaign, Power to Change and programmes that are improving the lives of women and girls around the world. Download Common Concern Explores Women, Girls and HIV and AIDS |
| Issue 123 - September 2004: Women’s Role in Peace Building
This edition of the common concern examines the importance of women’s role in peace building. It highlights how simple acts of solidarity with women living in conflict situations can sustain hope for a better future and calls for the implementation of the United Nations (UN) resolution 1325, which requires women’s equal and full participation in peace building. The issue also illustrates how YWCAs are helping women to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from achieving their full potential. Download Women’s Role in Peace Building |
| Issue 122 - June 2004: Gender and the Human Trade
This issue of the Common Concern focuses on trafficking in women and girls as a violation of human rights. It aims to raise awareness and share strategies for mobilising action against trafficking. The edition highlights YWCA work at the European level to fight the fastest growing organised crime in the region. It also reports on recent international advocacy on the issue, through the World YWCA’s involvement at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. We are proud to report that young women have been leading the way in these efforts, voicing the movement’s policies at the UN and organising regionally to combat trafficking. Common Concern also showcases young women’s leadership in the YWCA and provides an update on the YWCA Global Campaign, Power to Change. Download Gender and the Human Trade |
| Issue 121 - March 2004: Gender and Trade Liberalisation 
This edition of Common Concern focuses on the impact of globalisation and trade liberalisation on women’s ability to provide for themselves and their families. It clarifies the complex issues of global trade and gender implications and gives suggestions for simple actions that can contribute to creating equity in trade relationships. The edition shares information about the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance’s Trade for People campaign , which seeks to achieve trade justice. It also highlights the creative work of associations around the world to fight the spread of HIV, while meeting other needs of their communities. Common Concern showcases young women’s leadership in the YWCA and provides an update on the YWCA Global Campaign, Power to Change. Download Gender and Trade Liberalisation |
| Issue 120 - December 2003: Young Women and HIV and AIDS 
This edition of Common Concern focuses on the impact of gender imbalances on the spread of HIV/AIDS and shares the personal story of a young woman living with the disease and her calls to action to address the issues that contribute to HIV infection. It also features the YWCA of Rwanda’s holistic programme to address HIV/AIDS in rural communities and their success in breaking the silence and shame on some traditional practices and cultural norms that contribute to women’s vulnerability to HIV infection. The edition highlights YWCA advocacy around the world for peace during the Week Without Violence, as well as young women’s testimonies of how the YWCA impacted their lives. Download Young Women and HIV and AIDS |
| Issue 119 - September 2003: World Council 2003 Popular Report
This special edition of Common Concern brings an overview of World Council held in Brisbane, Australia in July 2003.The World YWCA brought together women from more than 100 countries and 50 partner organisations. The Council included five days of intensive discussions, training and networking focused on the theme, Leading Change: The Power to Act. It was a unique opportunity for women to hear each other, evaluate the progress we are making around the world, and develop strategies to move forward and address barriers that affect progress. It was also a time of celebration and joy as more than 1200 women joined together and expressed the hope that motivates each of us to be leaders of change. Download World Council 2003 Popular Report |
| Issue 118 - June 2003: Beijing In Review
World YWCA General Secretary, Musimbi Kanyoro, outlines her hopes for the conference as part of our feature on the World YWCA Council, Leading Change: The Power to Act. In the feature article, Mildred Persinger delivers her report card on implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action in preparation for the World YWCA International Women’s Summit in July 2003. The World YWCA asks some of the women leaders speaking at the event to outline the issues that are calling out for women’s leadership and the actions that can make a difference. Download Beijing In Review |
| Issue 117 - March 2003: Speaking Out: Jane Lee Wolfe, World YWCA President 
In the March 2003 issue of Common Concern, World YWCA President, Jane Lee Wolfe speaks out on the need for women's leadership in creating a better world for all people and highlights key achievements during her tenure as President. With three months until the World YWCA Council in Australia, Common Concern features the revised strategic plan for the global movement, along with an article from one of the keynote speakers for the International Women's Summit, Noleen Heyzer, UNIFEM Executive Director. |
| Issue 116 - December 2002: How can women’s leadership make a difference?
In this edition of Common Concern, global leaders in the fields of justice and human rights share their views on how women's leadership can make a difference in the current environment. It also features information about Leading Change: The Power to Act - a global event to be held in Brisbane, Australia from July 5-10, 2003, bringing together leaders from the YWCA and other organisations to develop strategies, skills and alliances for leading change. The edition highlights YWCA work around the globe to eliminate violence and respond to its impact on women and families, as well as expanding efforts to combat HIV and AIDS. |
| Issue 115 - September 2002: Bridging the Digital Divide 
Common Concern explores geographic and gender divides associated with information and communications technologies (ICTs) and highlights the work of the YWCA in tackling these inequalities. It also suggests ways women can engage in global decision making about ICTs through the World Summit on the Information Society. We must ensure a gender perspective informs the future of the information society, as well as begin to bridge the digital and information divides growing among people and nations. The issue also provides an update on the Global HIV/AIDS Campaign with reports of activities in the Caribbean, Ethiopia and Africa. Download Bridging the Digital Divide |
| Issue 114 - June 2002: Tackles Interfaith Dialogue 
Common Concern focuses on the work YWCAs have been doing to break down barriers of faith and foster pluralism for peace in their communities. You can read about how Australia, Nigeria, France and Lebanon are leading change in this area and find ideas for moving your own society towards greater inclusivity. Find out how Canada, Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea are fighting HIV/AIDS, and get the latest news from Zimbabwe, Great Britain, Taiwan and the Caribbean. Young Women on the Move tells the story of YWCA interns at this year’s United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and explores what it means to be an effective advocate. Download Tackles Interfaith Dialogue |
| Issue 113 - March 2002: Leading Sustainable Development
Common Concern explores the current sustainable development debate and ways you can get involved. It also profiles how YWCAs in El Salvador, Sri Lanka and Rwanda are leading sustainable development in their local communities, as well as featuring the latest news from Australia, Finland, Pakistan and Zambia. In this edition, there’s a range of ideas for connecting globally on World YWCA Day, April 24 and a quiz to test your knowledge of the global YWCA movement. Download Leading Sustainable Development |
| Issue 112 - December 2001: Responding to the Casualties of War 
Women in the YWCA continue to respond to situations of war and conflict through advocacy and programmes. You can read about suggested response strategies in the women and war feature in this edition of Common Concern, along with our work to rebuild families and communities affected by war. This issue also reports on regional meetings in Africa and Latin America and our strategic responses to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Download Responding to the Casualties of War |
