Quadrennium 2022–2026
WeMpower: Leaving No One Behind
YWCA of India is dedicated to empowering young women and girls across the country through its various programmes and initiatives. With a vision of inclusivity and sustainable development, YWCA of India has its focus on the theme ‘WeMpower: Leaving No One Behind’ for its current Quadrennium.
This overarching theme is further divided into three sub-themes: Strengthening Communities, Building Youth, and Nurturing Nature. Through these themes, YWCA of India aims to create a more equitable and just society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
By working towards strengthening communities, building the capacities of young people, and promoting environmental sustainability, YWCA of India is committed to leaving no one behind and creating an equitable future for all.
What the Theme Means
The name
The capital W and M signify the focus on working along with men to bring concrete change within the families and institutions of our country.
So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
The roots
The theme has its foundation in this verse. ‘Leave No One Behind’ is also the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
The aim
To go beyond the anti-discrimination agenda, with explicit and proactive efforts to bring people left behind in the past into the mainstream of society, through a focused partnership of women and men, young people and communities.
Subthemes
Mobilising communities to identify and solve their own problems, with women and men networking together through participatory approaches.
Reinforcing basic human values and confidence in young people, and empowering them to deal with failure by finding solutions within themselves.
Living in ways that reduce the pressure on the environment, raising awareness of the value of biodiversity, and taking corrective action at the local level.
Putting the Theme to Work
The National Action Plan for the quadrennium turns the theme into practice. Each association takes up the three subthemes through three actions, as far as its funds, people and reach allow.
Circle of Inclusion
Eight areas of work bring the theme into focus. An association picks the ones that fit its community and plans its activities around them, and each connects back to the three subthemes.
Digital
Cyber security, online safety and IT skills, with social media campaigns on rights and policy.
Financial
Savings and budgeting, banking, entrepreneurship and small business development.
Leadership
Leadership training for women and young people, so that they can lead as agents of change.
Environment
Tree planting, clean-up drives, waste management and advocacy for environment-friendly policies.
Health & Wellness
Menstrual hygiene, sexual and reproductive health, mental health and community health camps.
Advocacy
Forums, youth parliaments and campaigns on women’s rights, child rights and gaps in policy.
Community
Self-help groups, skill training and small production units that give communities an income.
Spiritual
Interfaith dialogue that builds mutual respect, understanding and cooperation between religious communities.
Four-Year Goals
Three outcomes the Action Plan sets for the four years.
Increase children and youth leadership in the YWCA
Youth groups and clubs in schools, day care centres and balwadis, awareness of child rights and youth policies, and youth parliaments and campaigns that put young people’s recommendations forward.
Maximise outreach
Bringing old and new groups, communities and projects into the three subthemes, so that programmes last and reach more members, young people, children and communities.
Create support structures and networks for people in need
Legal aid centres, counselling cells, shelter homes and hostels, built in partnership with other associations, NGOs and community organisations.