The Young Women’s Christian Association- Beirut is one of the oldest organizations in Lebanon addressing the challenges facing women. It has been active since the beginning of the 20th Century, in developing leadership qualities and promoting the collective power of women in order for them to achieve equal rights, health, security, dignity and freedom.

The YWCA-Beirut is a member of the National Council of the YWCA, which currently includes nine branches in different regions of Lebanon. It is a distinctive conclave for the discussion of women’s issues in the region, and serves as a venue for women to assemble and debate matters of interest as well as develop such skills as fashion design, business management, hair dressing, cosmetics and Kindergarten teacher training among others. The YWCA Beirut also pioneered the launching of educational as well as capacity building programs for women.

Vision
The YWCA Beirut’s vision is guided by that of the world movement. It views justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment as natural rights of all human beings irrespective of race, color or creed (World Council 1999).

Membership
The YWCA Beirut has a membership base of 200 persons in addition to a team of 65 professional staff and a group of non-member volunteers. It has a multi-dimensional program strategy that includes several projects and activities a technical college, a hostel, a gift shop, a cafeteria, community outreach activities, and an array of advocacy issues.