In 1998, under "Challenge 21", YMCAs all over the world pledged to focus efforts on empowering all, especially young people and women, to take increased responsibilities and assume leadership at all levels.

At present, women are strongly under-represented at senior levels of leadership and decision-making in public, professional and economic life. In 2005, the rate of female political representation was estimated at just 16 percent globally (IDEA, 2006).

YMCA Action

With a strong youth focus, and constituency of over 45 million individuals, both male and female, the YMCA movement is in a strong position to begin the work of dispelling harmful stereotypical attitudes and myths around the differences between men and women. The notion that women are "less capable" or "irrational", and should be confined to domestic and silent roles as "mothers" and "wives", frequently result in the exclusion of women and girls from leadership roles and decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels.

Whilst women's groups have already made significant and commendable progress in the process of socio-cultural change, the YMCA recognises that is essential for men and boys to be engaged in this process. YMCAs stand in a unique position to begin work with boys and young men, to raise awareness of gender issues at a young age, before negative stereotypes and attitudes become deeply ingrained. This is why an increasing number of YMCA programmes include community workshops on themes such as gender stereotypes and myths, the value of women in the community, and gender-based violence.

Women's full participation in leadership and decision-making has also been obstructed by their limited access to the necessary education, training and experience. Fear of violence, the pressures of child-care, financial responsibilities and social restrictions can all limit women's access to education. The YMCA therefore recognises that girls and young women must be equipped with the skills and confidence to participate effectively in decision-making, for example through youth advocacy and civic empowerment programmes - such as those supported by YMCAs in Lebanon, Honduras and Colombia.

To top