Mission Statement
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
The YWCA is the voice for every woman.
The YWCA has been at the forefront of the most critical social movements for more than 160 years — from women’s empowerment and civil rights, to affordable housing and pay equity, to violence prevention and health care.
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Across the globe, we have more than 25 million members in 106 countries, including 2.6 million members and participants in 300 local associations in the United States.
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More important than the numbers, is our mission to eliminate racism and empower women. We provide safe places for women and girls, build strong women leaders, and advocate for women’s rights and civil rights in Congress.
25 million women and girls 125 countries
For over a century, the YWCA has spoken out and taken action on behalf of women and girls. The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Over 2 million people participate each year in YWCA programs at more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Worldwide, the YWCA serves more than 25 million women and girls in 125 countries.
The History Of The YWCA
IS THE HISTORY OF PROGRESS IN AMERICA
Established in 1858 as a voice for women’s issues,
we opened the first employment bureau for women several years later. That was only the beginning of more than 150 years of active advocacy and programming for women’s rights and civil rights.
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We continue to evolve to meet today’s challenges in eliminating racism and empowering women.
We’ve shifted to a bottoms-up, grassroots structure. We’ve launched a revitalized brand that reaffirms the mission of working aggressively for women and people of color. And we’re engaging women 18- to 34-years old to carry on the YWCA mission for years to come.
