Gemo Romero

Nomination Committee Member (Bolivia – Latin America)

Esther Gema Romero Valencia (she/her/hers), YWCA Bolivia in South America. In the eight years that I have belonged to the institution, I could say, “This is the best thing that could happen to me”.

When I just began as a volunteer in 1997, I really didn’t know a lot about what the philosophy and main YWCA objectives were. Suddenly as I began to know deeply, I realised I knew the symbol because I had it at school. Some Methodist Pastors who came to La Paz, Bolivia; their wives initiated the institution 96 years ago. I began with a lot of enthusiasm to know more and more about what it really was, YWCA.

Before I attended many trainings and seminars, I promised solemnly to be loyal to the institution. Then, I put my attention on the real meaning of our name, “Young Women Christian Association”. I took my religion from my parents and school, and advocating for women’s rights was something that I believed in, so I tried to do my best in different positions. Something that I consider very important is the way we are being trained to be a leader.

I was really very fortunate to be part of the local board as a Public Relations Secretary in La Paz; then, for almost 4 years, I was the International Secretary of YWCA Bolivia, and I also was a member of the National Nominations Committee. The World Nominations Committee is my next step, and I really consider it a challenge.