About

Our MISSION

In a changing world with changing needs, the YWCA of India needs to respond effectively with timely intervention in programmes and projects that specifically address the needs of marginalized communities. It calls us to be inclusive of all communities regardless of age, class, caste, creed, religion and to be committed to protecting human dignity and environment.

Our VISION

The YWCA in India continues to be challenged in empowering women and girls to face gender inequities, social and economic disparities, caste based discrimination and all forms of violence against women. Today in a world ridden with environmental degradation, violation of human rights, the YWCA as one of the largest women’s movements is in a strong position to be an agent for social transformation and change.

Our HISTORY

Our History

The YWCA of India on behalf its membership and National Board calls upon your partnership and assistance, inviting you to join its journey of change through care, development, and empowerment of women and girls.

The journey of the YWCA started with the vision of two women in 1855. Today the YWCA has more than 25 million women serving 22000 communities spread across 128 Countries. With the presence of 86 YWCAs in India and a 7000 strong volunteer force, the YWCA of India reaches out to women and girls of different ages, economic, ethnic, occupational, religious and cultural backgrounds. It is a forum for empowerment, development, growth, sharing of ideas and formation of issue based partnerships.

Being one of the largest women’s movements, the YWCA of India is in a strong position to be an agent for social transformation and change. We network with the government, policy makers, corporations, local communities and the general public. Our programmes in the communities aim at holistic development of women and girls making them employable citizens with a deep sense of commitment to society. The intent is to develop a scalable and sustainable model for development.

1875 : First YWCA is formed in India and Bombay (Mumbai)
1887 : A home for five women was the beginning of hostels in India.
1890 : Poona (Pune) constructs the first YWCA building in India
1896 : National YWCA is has headquarters at Calcutta (Kolkata)
1897 : National YWCA affiliated to World Movement
1900 : First ‘Holiday Home’ opens in Simla (Shimla)
1903 : National Headquarters move to Bombay (Mumbai)
1915 : National YWCA Constitution drawn up in India, Burma and Ceylon
1919 : National Headquarters returns to Calcutta (Kolkata)
1920 : First Summer School opens in Ootacamund
1928 : The YWCA of New York gives ‘Anandagiri’ to the National YWCA
1942 : National Headquarters move to Lucknow
1947 : Delhi School of Social Work is founded; India, Pakistan, Burma & Ceylon become separate National Associations
1954 : National YWCA Headquarters move to Delhi
1975 : Centenary of YWCA of India is celebrated
1996 : National YWCA completes 100 years of service