Gender Justice

YMCA is a world-wide Christian, ecumenical, voluntary movement for women and men with special emphasis on the genuine involvement of young people. It seeks to share the Christian ideal of building a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creation.

Each member YMCA is therefore called to focus on certain challenges which will be prioritised according to its own contexts- that includes:

• Empowering all, especially young people and women to take increased responsibilities and assume leadership at all levels and working towards an equitable society.

• Advocating for and promoting the rights of women and upholding the rights of children

(Excerpts from Challenge 21)

The APAY adheres to the guiding principle of Challenge 21; hence commitment for the Gender Justice remains an integral part and a mandate in the YMCA, especially in the Asia and Pacific region. APAY initiates the promotion of Gender Equity in all levels with a community-specific approach. It affirms that the quest for the elimination of discrimination of gender-based violence and promotion of an inclusive society requires a collaborative undertaking irrespective of sex and gender. The YMCAs will continue to establish an inclusive environment by creating awareness and policies that promote and reflect gender justice and develop a mechanism that addresses gender issues, including sexual harassment. Through the Gender Justice initiatives, APAY increases dialogue and discussions on various perspectives, including the non-binary perspectives of gender.

Gender Justice is one of the main focus of the Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) of the APAY with the following objectives:

To cultivate a culture of gender equity and empowerment of women and girls at all levels through the creation of platforms of learning, reflection and exchanges of experiences
To ensure the development of leadership skills, organizing and advocacy capacities of YMCA constituencies that promote reforms for equal opportunities for all at all levels

Each member YMCA is therefore called to focus on certain challenges which will be prioritised according to its own contexts- that includes:

• Empowering all, especially young people and women to take increased responsibilities and assume leadership at all levels and working towards an equitable society.

• Advocating for and promoting the rights of women and upholding the rights of children

(Excerpts from Challenge 21)

Gender Justice is one of the main focus of the Quadrennial Program Plan (QPP) of the APAY with the following objectives:

1 To cultivate a culture of gender equity and empowerment of women and girls at all levels through the creation of platforms of learning, reflection and exchanges of experiences

2 To ensure the development of leadership skills, organizing and advocacy capacities of YMCA constituencies that promote reforms for equal opportunities for all at all levels

Responding to Domestic Violence through Film Screening “Purgatory”

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Responding to Domestic Violence through Film Screening “Purgatory”

To mark International Women’s Day, YMCA Makassar, together with GMKI Commisariat of Philosopical and Theological Seminary in Easter Indonesia (STFT INTIM) held a film screening and discussion of the short film Purgatory by Jack Stockley on March 21, 2026, at STFT INTIM Makassar. This activity created a space for people to reflect and talk about domestic violence, an issue that often happens but is not always visible and talked about. The film shows the relationship between Adam and Lilith, where violence is not only physical but also appears in the form of control, manipulation, and isolation.

After watching the film, participants joined an open discussion. They shared their thoughts about how abuse can start from small controlling behaviors, why victims may find it hard to leave, and how communities and institutions, including the church, can respond better.

The discussion also reminded everyone that home should be a safe place, not a place that feels like a prison. This activity helped participants to share experiences, listen to each other, and build empathy. Through this event, it is hoped that more people will become aware of the importance of peace, gender equality, and preventing domestic violence in their communities.

By Ms.Ni Gusti Putu Sulfia Clarita

Postgraduate Student

Southeast Asia Theological Seminary (STFT)

Makassar.

Child Rights & Child-Friendly Spaces Workshop 2026

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Last Updated (Wednesday, 01 April 2026 05:07)

Child Rights & Child-Friendly Spaces Workshop 2026

Date: 14th March 2026

Venue: Forum hall – Colombo YMCA, Sri Lanka

1. Objectives of the Program:

To promote awareness and understanding of child rights among YMCA representatives.
To provide technical guidance on establishing and maintaining safe, inclusive Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS).
To strengthen institutional commitment to ensuring children grow in supportive environments where their protection is prioritized.

2. Details of the Program

This program was conducted by the Children Development committee of Sri Lanka YMCA. This training brought together 29 participants from Member YMCAs across the Western, Southern, and Central regions, including Colombo, Matara, Moratuwa, Negombo, Nugegoda, Kandy, and Pamunugama. The sessions were facilitated by Ms. Nishamani Sri De Silva, a Protection, Participation & Safeguarding Specialist from Save the Children, who shared valuable insights on promoting child rights and creating safe, inclusive environments for children.

3. Proceedings, Outputs & Outcomes

We conducted training sessions on the CP1 and CP2 modules to improve our understanding of child protection.
We mapped out how to create safe and welcoming spaces that meet the needs of children in different local areas.
The program helped our local YMCA leaders feel more capable of using these safety rules in their own branches

4. New Insights Gained

Participants learned more about child rights and how to keep children safe in our programs.

Everyone realized how important it is to have the same safety rules across all our local YMCAs.

By Nimasha De Silva
Junior Executive Secretary
National Council of YMCAs Sri Lanka

YMCA Southern Regional Women’s Assembly & Gender Workshop 2026

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Last Updated (Wednesday, 01 April 2026 01:20)

YMCA Southern Regional Women’s Assembly & Gender Workshop 2026

Date: 6th & 7th March 2026

Venue: YMCA Madurai

Objectives of the Program: To organize a women’s Assembly and Gender workshop for the members from various YMCAs in the Southern Region of India on the theme ‘Empowered by Grace, Leading with Courage’.

YMCA Madurai hosted the YMCA Regional Women’s Assembly & Gender Workshop 2026 on 6th and 7th March 2026, bringing together participants from various Sub-Regions of the Southern India Region of YMCAs. The programme was conducted with great enthusiasm and active participation.

The programme commenced with a time of praise and worship led by Mrs. Judith Kirubakaran, Member of the Gender Concern Committee, YMCA Madurai. The devotional message was delivered by Fr.J.Benadict Barnabas, President of Madurai YMCA and Member of the National Executive Committee, who shared an inspiring reflection.

Mrs.J. Shamila Doris, General Secretary of YMCA Madurai warmly welcomed the guests and participants.

The Inaugural Address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Johnson Sangeetharaj, Regional Vice-Chairman, who emphasized the importance of strengthening women’s leadership and participation within the YMCA Movement.

Felicitations were offered by Mr. Daniel Ponnappan, Regional Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Robin Dante, Chairman of the Madurai Sub-Region of YMCAs.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Sam Robert P, Regional Secretary of the Southern India Region of YMCAs, who also presented the outline and objectives of the two-day Assembly.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr.D.Janet Vasanthakumari, Chairperson, YMCA Madurai Gender Concern Desk, on the theme “Empowered by Grace, Leading with Courage.” Her address based on the biblical women Esther, Ruth, Deborah and Naomi inspired participants to recognize their potential and take up greater leadership roles in society and within the YMCA Movement.

The Assembly featured several insightful sessions:

Session 1: “Rooted in Grace – Biblical & Foundational Identity of Women in the YMCA & Society” by Fr. Paul Michael, Director, LASS – Legal Action & Advocacy Services, Madurai.
Session 2: “Courageous Leadership in Action – Women as Decision Makers” by Ms. Premalatha, Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, Madurai.
Session 3: “Gender Justice & Social Responsibility – The YMCA Mandate” by Rev. Inbaraj Jeyakumar, Faculty Member, Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary. Madurai
Session 4: “Entrepreneurship, Economic Empowerment & Resource Mobilisation – Practical Orientation” by Ms. Antony Roselin, Social Entrepreneur and Proprietor of LEDA Café, Madurai.

A special discussion forum and business session encouraged active participation and sharing of experiences among the delegates. Women participants proposed resolutions to further strengthen leadership opportunities and skill development for women within the YMCA Movement.

More than 87 participants from different Sub-Regions took part in this significant regional programme hosted by YMCA Madurai. Members of the Board of YMCA Madurai also actively participated in the inaugural session.

A vibrant cultural programme organized by YMCA Madurai in the evening, performed by special children, added joy and fellowship to the gathering.

On the second day (7th March 2026), YMCA Madurai also marked the observance of International Women’s Day, with staff actively participating in the celebrations. This was followed by a field visit to the historic place Keeladi Excavation Site, offering participants an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region. Women participants cut a cake in observance of the International Women's Day.

The programme concluded with a Valedictory Session, during the session certificates were distributed to the participants.

Proceedings, Outputs & Outcomes

The women members actively participated in the deliberation of the Assembly
Sharing of experiences by the women from the region
Discussions of women leadership and Skill Development activities

New Insights Gained:

The need for Courageous leadership and involvement of women in social activities

Awareness on individual roles for the transformation of societies
Identity of women in the light of God’s grace with special reference to widows
Men and women are partners in gender justice.
As a YMCA Mandate, participants resolved to respond to injustice, speak out against violence, develop a Sexual Harassment Policy in all YMCAs and organizing gender sensitivity trainings.
Laws should be enacted for the protection of women.