Our MISSION

Our association underwent a strategic change process in 2005-06 in pursuit of building a thriving and relevant organisation to young women of Wellington.

The mission of the YWCA of Wellington and Hutt Valley is to nurture women’s leadership to support an inclusive society that recognises diversity.  We will do this by:

• developing women’s leadership potential

• supporting women, especially young women to make positive life choices

• celebrating women’s achievements.

By engaging cross-generational enthusiasm and through collaboration with like-minded organisations we aim to provide quality programmes and support initiatives that are responsive to the needs of our diverse community of women. 

We are now developing programmes and providing services in line with our mission.

Brief History

The first branch of the YWCA was originally established in Dunedin in 1878. Twenty-eight years later in 1906, the Wellington Branch of the YWCA was founded. 

It is amazing to examine the extensive variety of services the Y has provided for women over the last 100 years in Wellington. Since the early 1900’s programmes such as:  dressmaking, millinery, first aid, gardening, hygiene (a forerunner to sex education), and Saturday night socials (especially during WW1) were organized by the Wellington YWCA. During WWII, the YWCA focused on providing accommodation for young women and support for soldiers. In the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s physical pursuits and personal development camps were successfully established throughout New Zealand.

A consistent focus of the YWCA nationwide has been to provide leadership opportunities for women. An example of this was during the 1920s and 30s, the Girl Citizen Movement was joined by thousands of 14 to 20 year olds. The ‘Girl Citizens’ were able to learn the skills of running conferences and meetings, speaking in public, organising fundraising, holiday camps and dances.

Safety for women has been a concern for the YWCA since the organisation began. Local associations would provide support and shelter to young working class women arriving on the immigrant ships. This early work led to the establishment of the first hostels for immigrant women, and later for young rural women coming to the cities.

During the 1970’s and 1980’s  the Wellington YWCA continued to be supportive of women’s development by providing advocacy on women’s issues, delivering courses that assist young women to become financially independent and to encourage them to undertake higher education.