- For other uses, including specific buildings and chapters, see Young Women's Christian Association .
The
World YWCA is the umbrella organization of the global network of the YWCA, a movement of women working for social and economic change around the world. It advocates for young women’s leadership, peace, justice, human rights and sustainable development, both on a grassroots and global scale. It is the largest women’s organization in the world, and the second oldest organization of its kind, second only to the
Relief Society. The full name of the organization is the
World Young Women's Christian Association and is currently based in
Geneva, Switzerland.
The original
Christian focus is still strong in many of the national associations, but some have changed their focus to social programs and services and mission-based topics. The YWCA is independent of the
YMCA, though many local YMCA and YWCA associations have amalgamated into YM/YWCAs or YMCA-YWCAs, and belong to both organizations while providing the programs of each.
1870-1930
The movement that resulted in the World YWCA began in
England in 1855 in the midst of the
Industrial Revolution and the
Crimean War. Founded through the convergence of social activist Lady Mary Jane Kinnaird’s
General Female Training Institute, and committed Christian Emma Robarts’
Prayer Union, it sought to be a social and spiritual support system for young...
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