Regional Gender Justice Program 2025

Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs

Regional Gender Justice Program 2025 

 Communique

“Climate Justice is Gender Justice”

 

The Regional Gender Justice Program 2025, in collaboration with the Climate Defenders Project convened from September 20-24, 2025, as a significant initiative of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY). The program was hosted by the YMCA of the Philippines at the YMCA of Manila Hostel. Forty-one (41) participants (including four staff members) from 11 countries across Asia gathered to address the critical intersection of gender justice and climate action. The countries present were: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste.

The program commenced with worship emphasizing that all humanity—male and female—are created equally in God's image with shared responsibility for caring for creation. The program featured comprehensive sessions including “Unboxing Gender: Breaking Rules We Never Wrote & Moving Beyond the Binary,” exposure visits to communities addressing climate-gender intersections, panel discussions on climate-resilient futures, and a virtual session with the World Council of Churches (WCC) on climate litigation.

The WCC session highlighted faith-based advocacy in climate justice, demonstrating how churches mobilize for climate action through moral leadership, prioritize climate education for children from early ages, and support legal efforts that hold governments and corporations accountable for environmental harm affecting vulnerable communities, particularly women and marginalized groups.

 

Affirmations and Key Recognitions

We reaffirm our commitment to:

●       YMCA Challenge 21's mission to “empower all, especially young people and women, to take increased responsibilities, assume leadership at all levels, and work towards an equitable society”

●       The inseparable connection between environmental sustainability and gender equality, recognizing climate change disproportionately affects women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals

●       Christian values of equality, justice, equity, and peace as foundational to our climate and gender response

●       The principle that without gender justice, climate justice cannot be achieved

We acknowledge that:

●       Climate change amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to women and gender-diverse individuals

●       Women and gender-diverse communities lead innovative climate solutions and must be recognized as essential partners

●       The YMCA movement has a responsibility to address climate justice through a comprehensive gender lens

 

Recommendations

For APAY Leadership and Governance:

●       Strengthen the Gender Justice and Climate Action thrust in APAY's Gender Equity Committee priorities

●       Include Gender Justice Program as a regular feature of future APAY General Assemblies

●       Develop comprehensive gender-climate policies that guide all APAY climate initiatives

●       Ensure balanced representation of women, men, youth, and gender-diverse members in climate decision-making bodies

●       Allocate dedicated funding for gender-responsive climate programs

For National Movements:

●       Integrate gender analysis into all climate programs and disaster response initiatives

●       Develop partnerships with women-led climate organizations and environmental justice groups

●       Implement gender-responsive climate education programs that amplify women's leadership

●       Support women's economic empowerment through climate-resilient livelihood programs

For Local YMCAs:

●       Become Climate Defenders by achieving carbon neutrality with gender-inclusive approaches

●       Create mentorship programs supporting women and gender-diverse individuals in environmental leadership

●       Develop community climate resilience programs prioritizing women and marginalized genders

●       Advocate for gender-responsive climate policies at local and national levels

For Faith-Based Advocacy and Legal Action:

●       Strengthen partnerships with ecumenical bodies like the World Council of Churches to mobilize moral leadership for climate action

●       Support strategic climate litigation efforts that hold governments and corporations accountable for environmental harm

●       Integrate climate education from early childhood, teaching children about caring for creation as spiritual responsibility

●       Advocate for legal frameworks recognizing climate change as a gender justice issue

Commitments to Action

We commit to:

●       Implementing concrete gender-responsive climate action plans within the next 12 months

●       Supporting the “16 Days of Activism” campaign highlighting climate-gender intersections

●       Establishing partnerships with local women's organizations and climate justice movements

●       Advocating for gender-inclusive climate policies in our communities

●       Measuring and reporting progress on both gender equity and climate action

Vision for 2030

By 2030, we envision an Asia Pacific YMCA movement where:

●       All YMCAs are committed to carbon neutrality by 2030, operating as Climate Defenders through the implementation of diverse programs and initiatives as outlined in APAY's Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) under Sustainable Planet pillar

●       Women and gender-diverse individuals hold equal leadership in climate decision-making at all levels–from local YMCAs to national movements and regional governance

●       Gender-responsive climate programs are standard practice across National Movements, integrating gender analysis into all climate initiatives and disaster response

●       Young people, especially young women and marginalized youth, are empowered as climate leaders and change agents, actively participating in climate action and decision-making

●       The YMCA contributes to building vibrant civil societies that are resilient and empowered to address social inequalities, working toward achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDGs 13 (Climate Action) as part of the broader UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals.

Call to Action

Climate justice is gender justice. We cannot address the climate crisis without addressing gender inequality, nor achieve gender justice without confronting the climate emergency.

As we return to our communities, we carry the responsibility to ensure climate responses are equitable, participatory, and empowering for all genders. The time for action is now. Together, we will build a more just, resilient, and sustainable future for all.

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Issued by the participants of APAY Regional Gender Justice Program 2025
Manila, Philippines
September 24, 2025

YMCA Madurai, India Observance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 December 2025 12:48)

YMCA Madurai, India
Observance of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Photo Gallery (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZBAZEp4Xv-E13cLXo_FN-jdDdezdSUJu?usp=drive_link)

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender – Based Violence is an organizing strategy for individuals and organizations around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of gender based violence against women and to raise awareness on gender based issues. Every year it is observed from 25th November- the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to the 10th December- the Human Rights Day.

The Gender Concerns Committee of YMCA Madurai, India organized various activities as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This year, the focus was on visiting institutions/homes working for the children and women who are the victims of gender based violence. The planned events aimed to spread awareness, provide education on health and hygiene, engaging and entertaining the communities through cultural, educational, and motivational activities.

I. Visit to Association of Arulagam – A  Home for Destitute Women in  Madurai

Members of the YMCA Gender Concerns Committee and the Staff of YMCA Madurai visited the Association of Arulagam, A home for destitute girls and young women on the 29th November 2025. 42 women who come from abusive marriages, prison, widowhood and victims of HIV/Aids are given home, counseling, education, skills training and loving care. We, the YMCA members spent quality time at the home by engaging them in various games, fun activities and entertained them with cultural programmes performed by special children at the YMCA Madurai. Dr. Janet Vasanthakumari, Chairperson, Women Concern Desk shared about the 16 Days of Activism and the purpose of visit. The residents felt very happy and enjoyed the day very much.

II.  Visit to Inba Illam – A Home for the Aged

As part of the 16 days observance against Gender Based Violence, the Gender Concerns Committee and the Staff of YMCA Madurai visited the Inba Illam - A Home for the Aged Madurai on 29th November 2025. 40 senior citizens both men and women are provided with compassionated elderly care, assisted living and safe environment at free of cost at the home. The YMCA team organized several interactive and engaging activities to bring joy and encouragement to the elderly residents. Ms. J. Shamila Doris, General Secretary, welcomed the gathering.  Ms. Judith Kirubakaram, Member of the Gender Concerns Committee greeted them with a special song. Special children from YMCA entertained the residents through vibrant dance performances. Fun games and recreational activities were organized by Ms. Sofia and Ms.Priya which triggered their old memories and amused their second childhood. It also gave an opportunity for the senior citizens to showcase their skills in singing and damsharas.

III. Art Competition for the Orphaned Girls on the topic “Me and My Environment”

YMCA Madurai conducted an art competition on the topic “Me and My Environment for 28 girls at the Birds Nest Foundation and 21 girls at the YWCA Kirubai Illam, both homes for the less privileged and orphaned girls on 30th November 2025. They participated with much enthusiasm and interest and brought out various suggestions to preserve nature, the mother earth through their art. The drawings were evaluated by Ms. Thenmozhi and Team, Art and Craft Trainers, SS Training Institute Madurai. The winners were recognized and awarded with gifts.

IV. Awareness Program on Health and Hygiene for the Adolescent Girls

As part of the 16 days observance against Gender Based Violence, the Gender Concerns Committee organized an awareness program on ‘Health and Hygiene’ for the girls from the Birds Nest Foundation and YWCA Kirubai Illam on 3rd December 2025.  Dr. Nandhini, MBBS, General Physician, DK Clinic was the Guest speaker. She shared the tips to maintain a sound Physical, mental and social health. She also talked about regular hand washing, bathing, oral care, and menstrual hygiene which was highly beneficial for the girls. Special students from the YMCA special school for the Hearing Impaired performed dances to entertain them and fun activities were conducted. The Chairperson and the members of the Gender Concerns Committee participated and encouraged the girls.

V.Thursdays in Black Campaign

As part of the global movement advocating a world free from rape and violence, Thursdays in Black was observed across all YMCA Madurai projects on 27th November 2025 and 3rd December 2025. Staff wore black to express solidarity and raise awareness for a violence-free society.

VI. Visit to Claretian Mercy Home for the Deserted Infants and Old people

To commemorate the final day of 16 days of observance against Gender Based Violence, the Gender Concerns Committee and staff of YMCA Madurai visited the Claretian Mercy Home for the Deserted Infants and Old people on 10th December 2025, which is also the Human Rights Day. Initiated as the battle against female infanticide, this home currently offers home for infants and babies who are at risk of being killed by their own parents. The home welcomes just born babies of unwed mothers through the District child protection wing and offers excellent motherly care by the dedicated nuns and care takers and facilitates the adoption of these infants in worthy homes. The home also offers free care and assisted living for 28 people who are aged and sick. We, the YMCA members spent quality time at the home by engaging them in various games, fun activities and entertained them with cultural programmes performed by special children at the YMCA Madurai.

The above activities created meaningful awareness among the YMCA staff on the challenges and struggles faces by the female gender from birth till death. It was heartbreaking to see the young infants as victims of gender based violence and being stigmatized as orphans for which they are not responsible. The 16 day of observance was indeed an eye opener and the valuable time spend at the homes was highly rewarding and satisfying.

Our special thanks to Dr. Janet Vasanthakumari, Chairperson, Gender Concern Desk, YMCA Madurai, Fr.J.Benadict Barnabas, President, Members of the Committee, staff members, special children who have made this 16 day of observance highly effective and meaningful. We are also thankful to the institutions who have welcomed us to entertain and engage their residents. Our Special thanks to the APAY for the inspiration and guidance.

‘We pray that the world should be free of gender based violence and victimization’

Ms.J.Shamila Doris

General Secretary

YMCA Madurai, India

Interfaith Dialogue Highlights Climate Change and Gender Justice in Makassar

Interfaith Dialogue Highlights Climate Change and Gender Justice in Makassar

Makassar — YMCA Makassar successfully organized the event “Women Leading Climate Justice Across Faith and Community: Women’s Talk on Climate & Gender Justice – An Interfaith Perspective”, held online via Zoom. The event was attended by 27 participants from diverse backgrounds, including members of YMCA Makassar as the host organization, as well as students from Universitas Islam Negeri Alauddin Makassar and Universitas Tamalatea Makassar.

The discussion featured resource persons from different faith backgrounds who explored the issues of climate change and gender justice from both Christian and Islamic perspectives. The session emphasized the vital role of women in promoting environmental awareness and social justice, while fostering mutual understanding through interfaith dialogue.

Speakers highlighted that religious teachings strongly promote values of environmental stewardship, justice, and care for vulnerable communities. Participants actively engaged in discussions and reflected on concrete future responses, including strengthening public education, developing community-based eco-campaigns, and building sustainable interfaith collaborations.

This event marked an important step in strengthening youth-led collective actions and empowering young women to take leadership roles in advancing climate justice and gender equality in Makassar.

 

By Ni Gusti Putu Sulfia Clarita

Volunteer, YMCA , Makasar