The YWCA of Greece organises a Leadership Training and VAW campaign
YWCA of Greece was founded in 1923 by young women who were refugees and who had been YWCA members in Constantinople and Smyrna . The Greek YWCA is among the few women’s organisations in Greece with a long and rich record of innovative actions in the fields of lifelong learning, vocational training and social services, for young and older women, since its beginnings. The current activities and services in 26 local centers aim to support women in vulnerable situations, helping women and their families, and assisting in employment through training and counseling. The YWCA of Greece therefore held two activities in October and November 2010 that contribute to making this world a better and safer place for all.
In October, the YWCA of Greece organised a Leadership Training on Advocacy, Violence against Women, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and Economic Justice for Women in Athens. On October 30 - 31st , 35 women from 18 local YWCA branches came together to discuss ways of addressing these important issues for women. “The training was fun and full of energy and at the same time revealing and challenging. The issues were difficult and complex and not always relevant to our social needs in Greece at this moment. Yet as part of a world movement, we felt that our local leaders should have the chance to work on them,” reported the YWCA of Greece.
The 2-day training was planned and implemented by a mixed group of volunteers and professionals, some of whom participated in the recent Regional Training Institute held in Estonia. Participants worked together and shared their creativity and ideas on the different themes of the training. The training consisted of presentations, evaluation, lively discussions and the creation of T-shirts that speak out against violence. “The outcome was very positive. We strongly believe that the training managed to fulfil the expectations and needs of the participants,” said the YWCA of Greece.
The YWCA of Greece also actively participated in the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence on November 25 by launching the “These Hands Don’t Hurt” campaign. The campaign took place in front of the University of Athens, and sensitised and informed students about the different forms of violence that women face in their everyday lives – physical, psychological, verbal or sexual.
The event engaged students by symbolically opposing them to all forms of violence against women. The students were invited to place their painted hand on a white canvas, leaving their imprint and thus pledging that “these hands won’t hurt.”
During the event, a team of YWCA volunteers handed out leaflets with useful information to students and passersby. The leaflets contained information on violence, the signs of abusive relationships and also information on how to help someone that is in a violent relationship. Many young women and men participated in the event and imprinted their hands on the canvas. The canvas will be hung up at the National Y Head Office in Athens.
