HOW IT ALL STARTED....The YWCA owes its beginning to 2 ladies
– Lady Kinnaird and Emma Robarts over a hundred and fifty years ago in Great Britain.
The Young Women's Christian Association was formed as a result of a growing interest in the welfare of young women at work and the dangers to which they were exposed on leaving home, often to work long hours for very low pay in factories and workshops in the metropolis. The whole character of the work from the outset was essentially religious and there were two strands in its development. Very concerned about the spiritual and moral well-being of these women and girls, were a few Christian women who were filled with love and compassion for their fellow women.
In 1855 Miss Emma Robarts, the youngest of five unmarried sisters living with their father in Barnet, formed a Prayer Union with 23 friends to help girls through intercessory prayer. They met regularly to pray for the welfare of these homeless, ignorant and frightened women and girls who had left their kith and kin to work in the cities. Following the example of the Young Men's Christian Association, formed eleven years previously in 1844, they called themselves the Young Women's Christian Association, and made contact with the girls for whom they prayed. In 1859 this group took the name of the ‘Prayer Union’ and continued as a sort of inner circle of the Association for many years. As the movement spread in the 1860s and 1870s (there were 130 branches by 1872), the Unions met not only just for prayer, bible study and friendly social intercourse, but also to cater for the wider interests of the girls, aimed at developing body, mind and spirit. There were also boarding houses and some institutes or clubs.
Many people have learnt to care for their souls, and to desire earnestly to remove the pressure of over-work, by which their bodily and mental health is so often impaired’. The Association's stated aim was to establish homes all over London, with a missionary in each to be a friend and teacher of all in that neighbourhood who would come to her for sympathy and counsel. Bible classes and meals were provided and there were a few boarders. The 1863 report stated that three London hostels had been opened with lodging costing 3s. 6d. on average, and that a fourth one was in prospect. Already there were auxiliary associations in Bristol and Liverpool, and other cities, including Paris, were interested in the movement. The report for 1865-66 referred to the group as The Christian Association for Young Women and by the time of the report for 1867-1868, there was a second title of Young Women's Christian Association in use. There were then two distinct branches of the Association, the Institutes, and the Boarding Houses or Homes. At the Central Institute, which opened in February 1866, young women could attend not only bible classes and religious meetings, but also a French class, and there was a good free library.
The Movement grew out of the combined inspiration of two very different women whose joined vision led to the start of the YWCA.
Emma and Mary met over a cup of tea in England.
They discussed the needs of women and girls. Thus the YWCA had its beginnings...
Not long after the founding of the Y.W.C.A. in England 1855, similar organizations were formed in the U.S.A., The first one being in Boston in 1866. Later on it spread to different parts of the world. YWCA in India (Bombay) in 1875, YWCA in Australia (Sydney) in 1880 and in 1890 a committee was formed to enquire into an agreement for linking work all over the world. By 1894 there were YWCAs in several countries worldwide, sharing a commitment to peace, justice, freedom and in particular dignity for all people. At this time, the YWCAs of Great Britain, USA, Norway and Sweden joined to form the World YWCA, one of the first independent international women’s organizations in the world. Today, the YWCA movement empowers women and girls to change in 22,775 local communities of 125 countries with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
1855
The beginning of YWCA
1866
First city Association organized
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The oldest in Malaya / Malaysia and the oldest women's organisation in the country
The Spread of the YWCA
You can donate any amount that you feel comfortable with—every contribution, big or small, makes a difference! Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, your support helps sustain our programs, hostel, and kindergarten, empowering women and children in need. No amount is too small to create an impact. If you'd like to discuss specific giving options, feel free to contact us!
You can donate by contacting the Penang YWCA office directly. Our team will be happy to guide you on the available donation methods and how your contribution can make a difference. For more details, please reach out to us at:
📍 Penang YWCA Office
📞+6 04-828 1855
📧penang@ywca.org.my
Yes, YWCA Penang is a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to empowering women and children through education, shelter, and community support programs. Our work is made possible through the generosity of donors and volunteers who share our vision of creating a better future for those in need.
Yes, you are welcome to visit YWCA! If you are interested in renting our rooms, hall or premises for events, meetings, or other activities, please contact our office for availability, rates, and booking details.
