Village People made the YMCA a household name, even if it was in ways that they wouldn’t have chosen. But how many of us know much about the YWCA? Founded in 1855 by two Christian women, the YWCA is now the leading charity working with the most disadvantaged young women in England and Wales.
Their current campaign, More than one rung, highlights the poor career prospects of many young women. They say, ‘Thousands of disadvantaged young women have the potential to achieve so much, but instead face a lifetime of poorly-paid jobs with no prospects. For them there is only one rung on the career ladder. The bottom rung. Without opportunities to develop skills and get training, the life chances of a girl from a poor background are massively reduced, as are her aspirations and plans for the future.’ They point out that young women are most likely to be encouraged into the 5 C’s of cashiering, caring, catering, cleaning and cosmetics, all of which are low-paid, low-skilled jobs.
The Sophia Network exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.
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