ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
1-3 May 2009
Hosted by Wahine o Wairua
with the support of the YWCA of Auckland
The YWCA of Aotearoa New Zealand held its Annual General Meeting at the Quality Hotel Barrycourt in Auckland in early May. Special guest World President Susan Brennan travelled from Melbourne, Australia to be with us. Susan was elected President of the World YWCA in July 2007 and is the youngest woman elected to the office and the second from the Pacific region. She gave an inspiring keynote address and focused on the importance of universal human rights but also reflected on the aspirations of the YWCA as a global movement. “Over the last ten years, we have built a reputation as a leading women’s organisation in the response to HIV and this reputation is built on the work of YWCAs in 70 countries. It is also built on the early and equal partnership we forged with the International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS, a small but mighty organisation which speaks with the voice of those most affected. It is also built on our fundamental commitment to human dignity and human rights." Susan also took this opportunity to show participants the World YWCA Day video message from World YWCA General Secretary. Former Governor General of New Zealand, Patron of Future Leaders and YWCA of Auckland Life Member Dame Cath Tizard gave the opening address. Participants from around New Zealand took part in optional discussions and workshops and were entertained by Te Tahawai, the Edgewater College Kapa Haka group.
Order our free resources now!
The YWCA of Aotearoa New Zealand has two free resources, and a third on its way, that are available to anyone and everyone. Just email us on info@ywca.org.nz if you would like copies of either our DIY Guide or Like Your Body booklet.
DIY Guide It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the world’s problems, but there is so much we can do! The DIY guide is here to help you work out what’s important to you and what you can do about it.
Find out more about the DIY Guide and how to order copies
Our Like Your Body booklet is about promoting positive body image and empowering young women. It tackles important issues such as different ideas of beauty, images of women and body size in the media, healthy eating and the dangers of dieting. It helps the reader to get active and take a stand against negative ideals of body image.
Find out more about Like Your Body and how to order copies.
As at 31 March 2009 our Like Your Body booklet is out of stock. We hope to be printing more in the near future.
Our Sisters booklet, which tackles all facets of young women's sexual health from sexual orientation and safe sex to sexual abuse and much more, will be available soon.
Outward Bound Subsidies now available
Two of last year's successful applicants on their
Outward Bound adventure
In 2009 the YWCA of Aotearoa New Zealand is able to offer four scholarships of $1500 for young women to attend an Outward Bound course. These scholarships are available to young women 30 and under who, because of economic hardship, would not otherwise be able to attend. In order to be eligible for a subsidy each young woman needs to be supported by their Member Association. If there is not a YWCA in your area an application can be made through the YWCA of Aotearoa New Zealand. There are certain commitment requirements that need to be met in order to be eligible for the scholarships so be sure to discuss these with your supporting YWCA. To download an application form just click here, and for further information contact your local YWCA.
As at 4 June 2009 there are three scholarships still available. Recommendations will be taken to the board at the end of June 2009. 
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