Sonya Struginski trip to Nairobi

25th & 26th World YWCA Council, Nairobi, Kenya – July 2007

Kia Ora, my name is Sonya Struginski and I am a management committee member of the Whangarei YWCA. I have been involved with the YWCA since March 2001. In 2003 I was fortunate enough to attend the World YWCA Council in Brisbane as a New Zealand delegate. This was a phenomenal experience, which for me highlighted the global significance of this movement. From Brisbane to now I have continued to be actively involved with the YWCA.

In 2006 I was then selected to attend the World YWCA Council as an observer and representative of the Whangarei YWCA of New Zealand. It was an incredible commitment made by a smaller association – and was substantially supported by the Ministers Discretionary Fund as well as local networks such as: Whangarei Women’s Club, YWCA Whangarei, Whangarei Federation of Graduate Women and Te Ora Hou Northland.

The group of 11 which I travelled with consisted of delegates and observers from Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, Christchurch and Wellington. These women were absolutely awesome to travel with and held a special presence amongst the Council particularly on indigenous issues, the amendments to the constitution, HIV and AIDs in the Pacific and the representation held on the World Executive Committee.

The World Council consisted of four parts with attendance from 95 countries:

Young Women’s Pre Council: This was a gathering of 250 young women from countries affiliated with the YWCA. In these forums the discussion of young women’s leadership and HIV / Aids were the main focus – hearing stories shared from one another created a platform for what was to follow in the World Council sessions. This was also a chance for young women to prepare for the World Council and to provide a recommendation to the World Committee regarding young women’s participation in the YWCA at all levels of the organisation.

Extraordinary YWCA World Council: At the Extraordinary World Council the revised constitution was presented – this was a recommendation from the 2003 World Council and after four years of intense work was unanimously adopted. For a movement of 152 years this was incredible.

International Women’s Summit (IWS): The IWS saw the number of attendees rise to 2000 women for the next three days to participate in workshops and discussions regarding HIV and Aids. These times saw many stories shared from many different backgrounds as well a wealth of knowledge from very experienced workers in all areas worldwide. This collaborative summit was a first of its kind whereby it was specifically focused on women. Streams included: Positive Living, Changing Communities, Policy and Advocacy, Women’s Leadership in HIV & AIDs, Resource Mobilisation.

YWCA World Council: The World Council was the business part of the two weeks. This saw the election of the new world executive committee, of which 55% are young women (30 years old and under).  A new world president who is from Australia – Susan Brennan. The return of Treasurer Maureen Bell. Also the announcement of the new world general secretary Nyaradzi Gumbonzvanda.

Two goals I have on my return from this World Council:

I look forward to continuing to journey with those I have met in Kenya and to be part of change in my community.