What is YWCA?

YWCA is a global membership organisation that provides outreach services to 25 million women and girls in 130 countries across the world. Vist the World YWCA website for more information.

YWCA Victoria is a non-religious women’s organisation that encourages and promotes equality and opportunity for young women. YWCA Victoria is the leading advocate for young Victorian women. We are committed to helping young women reach their full potential.

YWCA Victoria runs a number of programs that support disadvantaged young women by providing them with opportunities to develop and enhance their skills and well-being.

YWCA Victoria is committed to the well-being of the whole of the Victorian community so we do offer community services that also meet the needs of men and mature women. Our commercial services are available to everyone. 

What does YWCA stand for?

YWCA used to stand for Young Women’s Christian Association. Our name was officially changed to YWCA in 2002. Although we respect and honour our Christian history, we are a modern progressive secular organisation with members, supporters and employees of a range of different faiths and backgrounds.

Do I have to be a Christian to be a member or employee of YWCA?

No, we have women of a variety of faiths who are members, employees and volunteers; some profess no formal religion at all. YWCA women are united by one belief: a commitment to equality and opportunity for all women, and peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.

Are you the YMCA?

No the YWCA is a separate community organisation, go to the YMCA website for information about the YMCA.

Do you work with just young women?

Most of YWCA Victoria’s community services are women-only services because women have very specific experiences of homelessness, mental illness, abuse, unemployment and other disadvantages. Women who have experienced abuse often feel more comfortable accessing a women-only service.

The YWCA was active in Victoria from the 1870s, and historically we have worked with young women.

Young women continue to be under-represented at all levels of government and corporate decision-making, and experience inequality in a range of ways such as unequal pay, violence, and unrealistic body image. YWCA Victoria wants to eliminate all forms of discrimination against young women and we want young women to join us in this fight. See Membership.

However, not all of our work is directed toward young women. We have an interest in the equality of all women and work with mature aged women, particularly around the issue of health and ageing. In keeping with YWCA Victoria’s commitment to the whole community we have some services for both women and men, such as our housing service.

The Jasper Hotel, Conference Centre and Jasper Kitchen are able to be accessed by everyone.

Does YWCA Victoria provide recreation programs?

No, some years ago YWCA Victoria did deliver a comprehensive range of recreation programs but we no longer provide these services. However we do provide rowing lessons and competition for women and girls at our Rowing Club at Albert Park Lake. See Y Rowing. We also run Golf lessons for women in East Bentleigh. Please call 03 9570 6224 for further information.

If you are a woman aged over 50 we provide social clubs that offer some recreation. Contact us on 03 8341 8700.

Many other organisations offer recreation activities.  The YMCA offers a wide range. Please see the YMCA website for further information.

Do you provide crisis accommodation?

No, but we do provide accommodation for low income women through our Housing Services.

For Crisis accommodation please contact: