MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
LIZ FORSYTH
It is an exciting time to lead a women’s organisation in a climate
where increasing community and government attention is being
given to the leadership, safety and rights of women and girls.
In the not for profit sector, it remains also
a challenging time regarding sustainable
grant funding. However, this year YWCA
Adelaide has seen an increasing number
of corporate sponsors and business and
individual donors choosing to support our
cause. This is a reflection not only on the
importance and quality of our work, but
our increasing profile and reputation and
the relevance of our organisation.
In the 2014/15 year we ended a three
year Strategic Plan phase and have
entered into a new Strategic Plan which
maintains our focus on the leadership
and empowerment of women and girls
and places organisational sustainability
as a core priority. This year has seen an
essential strengthening of collaboration
4
between all Member Associations
and YWCA Australia symbolised most
prominently with the launch of a new
national brand. We are among ten of the
12 YWCAs around the country which has
already adopted the brand.
Our focus on supporting the leadership
development of women and girls
expanded this year with the introduction
of the SHE Leads High Conference and
SHE Leads High Program for girls in
years 10-12 engaging more than 250
students from more than 15 schools,
almost all of them public high schools.
YWCA Adelaide’s commitment to diversity
was also enhanced with funding received
to establish a three year program for
African women with disabilities.