Incorporated in 1893, YWCA Canada is a secular, charitable organization that serves as the national coordinating body for the YWCA movement in Canada.

Our Federated YWCA Model

As a federated organization, YWCA in Canada is made up of 29 independent YWCA associations (which we call Member Associations), each operating autonomously with its own governance and united in our shared mission. YWCA Member Associations work together to offer core services and are accountable to each other as peers.

Local YWCAs invest over $258 million annually to support over 330,000 individuals across the nation. Today, we engage young leaders, diverse communities, and corporate partners to achieve our vision of a safe and equitable Canada for all.

YWCA Canada is governed by policies set by our Member Associations and are administered by a Board of Directors, elected by Member Associations.

Through membership committees, there is collaboration between YWCA staff and volunteer leaders to provide support in executive search and orientation, member association services, program collaboration, capacity-building, training and standards assessment, leadership network support and critical issues management.

World YWCA

YWCA Canada is a member association of the World YWCA, a global movement working for women’s empowerment, leadership and rights in more than 100 countries and 20, 000 local communities.