The Young Women’s Christian Association is a worldwide volunteers’ membership movement inspired by Christian principles. However, the YWCA provides its services to all members of society regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religious affiliation and nationality. The YWCA in Ethiopia is an affiliate of the World YWCA which develops women’s leadership to find local solutions to the global inequalities women face and unites 25 million women and girls in over 110 countries through 100 affiliated autonomous national YWCAs.
The Ethiopian YWCA was initially founded in 1962 and provided useful educational and recreational activities. In addition, YWCA-Ethiopia was involved in various skill programs for young girls and women. When the military government took control of the political establishment in 1976, it wiped the YWCA off the face of the country by closing its offices, by confiscating its property, including land, and by ransacking its documents and possessions. With a change in the political system in the country the determined former staff and members of YWCA were able to ensure the revitalization of YWCA of Ethiopia. Accordingly, the Association secured its legal status for the second time in 2000 after registering with the Ministry of Justice of Ethiopia.
Currently, the YWCA of Ethiopia is working for and promoting Gender Equality, Youth, women and young girl’s empowerment through its core intervention focuses of; Gender Equality, Influence urban governance and planning, Increased and equal access of Education to young women, Economic and Social Empowerment, Sexual Reproductive Health, Youth Leadership Development.
Just society; where women and youth are economically socially and politically empowered.
A strong people’s organization, which uphold; Gender Equality, Socio Economic welfare & Youth Leadership for nation building.
Gender Equality | Inclusiveness | Mutual Respect | Trust Worthiness | Volunteerism
