The World YWCA visits the United Kingdom

On March 14, the World YWCA participated in the Commonwealth Observance Day, and the theme was "Women as Agents of Change". On the invitation of the Commonwealth Education Commission, and the Global Campaign on Education, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda was participated in a one-day seminar hosted together with the Commonwealth Secretariat at the House of Commons. The theme for the seminar was "Educating Women: Transforming Societies". The event was attended by over 200 participants, including members of parliament from the 3 political parties, women's organisations, government officials and NGOs in the education sector. The event was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, together with the Speaker of Parliament, and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Nyaradzayi was a closing keynote speaker for the event. The meeting explored the continued barriers to women's access to education and some of the best practices from organisations such as Camfed International and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS). Nyaradzayi’s presentation focused on the transformative aspects of education and the experiences of the World YWCA.

Nyaradzayi also participated in a multi-faith worship service that was held at the Westminster Abbey and presided by the Church of England, in the presence of the Queen of England and the Duke of Edinburgh. “This was a good opportunity to feel how various religions were addressing the theme of Women as Agents of Change and a reflection of issues facing women in the Britain,” said Gumbozvanda.

The World YWCA participated at the Alliance of Youth CEOs Summit that was held on March 15, 2011, at Buckingham Palace, in London. The Alliance of Youth Chief Executives, the organisation hosting the Summit, is a coalition of different youth organisations with a mission of creating a platform for advocating for and with young people, promoting youth development and youth leadership, in order to improve the lives of children and young people worldwide.

The Alliance consists of five of the largest youth movements in the world: World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), World Alliance of YMCAs, World YWCA, and the International Award Association. Collectively, the Alliance reaches over 100 million young people in over 200 countries and territories. At the 2011 meeting, various topics for joint collaboration were decided upon, including the commitments of ways of participation and support for the International Women Summit. 

On March 16, 2011, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda attended the Centenary Reception for International Women’s Day at 10 Downing Street, the house of the British Prime Minister. Over 200 women leaders were invited from various sectors of society and across the country. Gumbonzvanda had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister, David Cameron, where she highlighted the importance of governments in supporting quality policies that advance and protect women's rights, including in the UK, and also for funding international institutions such as UN Women. The Prime Minister echoed some of these comments in his address at the reception.

Following the exciting events at 10 Downing Street, the World YWCA met Christine Freshwater, the President of the YWCA of Great Britain. The purpose of the meeting was to give an update on the preparations for World YWCA Council and the key focus of the new World YWCA Strategic Framework. Ms Freshwater briefed the World YWCA representatives on the status of the YWCA of Great Britain and their approach of lifting young women's leadership. They also discussed how to strengthen the movement together in the country, in ways that leverage partnerships for global actions. The World YWCA also met with Platform 51, previously called YWCA of England and Wales, and shared on what and how the World YWCA works, and its values and programmes.

On  March 17 Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda met with Nina O'Farrell, Head of HIV and Melanie Ward, Senior UK Political Advisor and Global Advocacy and Policy Advisor of Christian Aid. During their meeting Gumbonzvanda shared the YWCAs programmes and synergy, as well as its involvement in the HIV High Level Meeting process. Ms. O’Farrell discussed the work of Christian Aid on Violence Against Women, and the joint work with Tear Fund. Christian Aid is a member of the UK Gender and Development Network, and together with VSO, One World Action and Womankind, they have produced a series of advocacy actions related to UN Women.

The World YWCA had a very fruitful trip to the United Kingdom and we look forward to deepening our engagement in the country and to harness partnerships that advance the rights of women worldwide.