Mongolian women ready to lead change
World YWCA volunteer, Ann Drummond, recently visited an emerging group of women in Mongolia who are interested in establishing a YWCA. Located in the heart of the Asian landscape, Mongolia is a country where people live a Nomadic lifestyle. The purpose of Ann’s visit however, was not to enjoy the Nomadic way of life but rather to deepen her understanding of the Mongolian culture, the current issues confronting the country, and the possibility and challenges of setting up a YWCA in Mongolia.
During her five-day visit Ms. Drummond visited Darkhan, Mongolia’s second largest city, and Ulaan Bataar, the capital. Many of the issues that came to light during her visit to the Asian country are issues that many YWCAs around the world work to address on a daily basis. One of the most pertinent ones for Mongolia is gender based violence and alcoholism. The women of Darkhan shared this to be their main source of worry and that within their community there are no shelters or safe houses for women and families.
In Ulaan Baatar, Anne had the pleasure of meeting with local Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working with women. One of these organisations was the National Network of Mongolian Women’s NGOs, which has 34 women’s organisations within its network. The group works from a feminist framework and it actively seeks gender justice across a number of issues. Some of them currently being addressed are the negative portrayal of women in the media, the involvement of women in politics, smoking and gambling, raising awareness on rape, working with police and judges, advocating for rape and domestic violence counselling and offering young women’s confidence training.
Sexual and reproductive health and right is also an issue of concern in the country Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are rampant, with an estimated six out of every ten, university students infected. This age group also has a high-unwanted pregnancy rate and subsequently a high abortion rate. These statistics show that there is a need to provide support and help to the youths of Mongolia, not only the young women but also the young men.
Many of the issues affecting women stem from problems created by men. In addressing the needs of women in Mongolia, it is crucial that work also be done with the men. “Most NGO’s find it easier to work with the women and it would seem from my short visit that there needs to be more emphasis on working with men in regard to employment training, alcohol addiction, violence prevention, anger management and self- esteem,” stated Ann.
The interim Board of the YWCA of Mongolia is comprised of women who already work with churches, NGOs and have many contacts with other NGOs and organisations within the country. They feel that the establishment of a YWCA will maximise their individual efforts and have a greater impact on the women in their community. Ann was able to share with the enthusiastic women of Mongolia about the work of the YWCA movement worldwide, the priority areas of the organisation and the value of upholding and understanding the purpose and vision of the organisation. From her visit and interaction with the group, Ms. Drummond is confident that with the right support they can lead big change in Mongolia.
