YWCA England & Wales’ change of working name to Platform 51
World YWCA and YWCA of Great Britain Joint Statement
January 11, 2011: The World YWCA is a global women’s movement founded on a Christian basis, whose mandate is to serve all communities irrespective of their faith. Our purpose is to develop the leadership and collective power of women and girls to achieve justice, peace, freedom, human dignity, health and care for the environment. We affirm this commitment with our presence in 125 countries, 22,000 communities and a reach to 25 million women and girls worldwide. It is a volunteer membership movement, inclusive of women from many faiths, backgrounds and cultures.
The World YWCA is a global federation which adheres to the constitution of the movement, including the use of the name YWCA as the official and legal title for all our members, including the YWCA of Great Britain.
YWCA England & Wales is a local association affiliated with YWCA of Great Britain. YWCA England & Wales is an active member of YWCA of Great Britain and is fully committed to the identity, history and mission of the YWCA movement as one of the founding members.
YWCA England & Wales' change of operating name to Platform 51 has raised strong public debate. The Board of YWCA England & Wales was advised on the mandatory requirements for use of the name YWCA for all affiliated member associations. We are encouraged to note that the association will retain its legal identity and name of YWCA England & Wales and will continue with its core mission of advancing the empowerment and well-being of all women and girls. All other independent YWCAs in Great Britain including YWCA Scotland, YWCA Glasgow and YWCA Sheffield will continue to use the YWCA name.
| Susan Brennan | Christine Freshwater |
| World YWCA President | President of the YWCA of Great Britain |
For more information contact
Sylvie Jacquat
World YWCA Communications Director
sylvie.jacquat@worldywca.org
Elaine Samson
YWCA of Great Britain
elaine.samson@blueyonder.co.uk
