The National Council of YWCAs of China celebrated its centennial anniversary in Shanghai.
This event, themed "Resilience, Inclusivity, and Exploration," took place on November 13–14, said China YMCA and YWCA. It aimed to reflect on the 100-year history of the China YWCA and its missions and responsibilities during the development of Chinese society in different stages. The focus was on sharing its valuable experiences in workplace environment development, women's and children's education, and showcasing their roles in the country's social modernization.
The event featured nine experts and scholars engaging in live interviews and discussions. They touched upon key themes such as “Relationship With YWCA”, “Existing and Future Collaborations With YWCA”, “YWCA’s Position, Function, and Roles in the New Era”, as well as “YWCA’s International Involvement and Influence as a Global Social Service Group.”
The sharing of experiences from the national council and city-based YWCAs illustrated that the YWCA in China served distinct target groups in diversified fields using multi-angle approaches. Additionally, representatives from the World YWCA, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Nepal, and Hong Kong YWCAs shared their work in this workshop, aiming to foster future collaborations.
Throughout the event, field visits and cultural experience activities were organized to showcase the social services and cultural advocacy brands of China YWCA to domestic and international counterparts.
Leaders from the United Front Work Department, the All-China Women's Federation, the All-China Youth Federation, and the China YMCA were invited to attend the commemorative activities.
The World YWCA is a global organization that Lady Mary Jane Kinnaird founded in London in 1855 and introduced to China in 1890. It organized China's first school-based YWCA in Hangchow Union Girls School, establishing the National Council of YWCAs of China in 1923. The year 2023 marks the 100th anniversary of the China YWCA. Throughout its century-long history, this organization has responded to the needs of women, children, and marginalized groups at distinct stages of societal development, encouraging their engagement in social affairs by providing necessary services.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
