World YWCA President celebrates World YWCA Day in Taiwan 2010

Ms Brennan was the keynote speaker of the YWCA of Taiwan’s “Round the World Breakfast”. The theme of her speech was that of the next World YWCA Council (to be held in Switzerland in July 2010): “Women Creating a Safe World”. Examples of the work carried out by the YWCA across the globe to end violence and bring peace, prosperity and security was shared with the participants.

“On this day, we rejoice in the leadership of women in creating safe spaces: spaces which are free from violence and war, free from want and discrimination, spaces in which women and girls realize their full potential,” said Ms Brennan.

The efforts made by Taiwan’s YWCA to help female immigrants, as well as to positively impact a number of lives through special activities and by creating an opportunity for young women to participate in international activities and events, were highlighted.

The World YWCA’s president also put an emphasis on women as agents of change: “From the developing world, we have learned that a woman or girl reinvests 90 percent of her income in her family; a man reinvests 30-40 percent.” She acknowledged that considerable progress has been made worldwide on women’s human rights, but that more needed to be done.

During the event, Ms Brennan was presented with a “Lifetime Service Award” by Mrs. Sylvia Ting, President of the YWCA of Taiwan.

Susan Brennan then embraced a unique tradition practiced by the YWCA of Taiwan – that of ringing bells at the end of a meeting to highlight one’s commitment and willingness to accept responsibility.

“It is a beautiful sound, so I got a bell to take home with me, and I will bring that custom with me and it will travel with me,” she said.

Ms Brennan will remain in Taiwan until April 27, 2010. Her busy schedule includes a number of activities including a visit to the YWCA Youth Orchestra, to Evergreen College, to the Kaohsiung YWCA’s Elderly Cheerleaders’ Squad and to the Taiwan YWCA E-Learning Course in Taipei.