YCW Namibia Resuming Training for Action
In August 2023, Ana Cecilia Salazar from the IYCW International Secretariat and John Ofori, PANAF coordinator, visited the Namibia YCW national movement. Their aim was to support new processes and promote YCW grassroots groups and the continuity of work with young workers.
The two international leaders first wanted to discover the context in which young workers lead and cope with life in their country, and one of the life testimonies they heard came from a Namibian YCW woman activist:
Guatemala YCW: Training in screen printing and sublimation to give young people access to employment
Access to employment is one of the most fundamental rights, a guarantee of dignity and an essential means of subsistence for every human being. However, in a post-conflict country marked by poverty and low school enrolment, access to this essential right remains a distant goal. The Guatemalan labor market is almost entirely dependent on the informal economy, and the few formal jobs available are under constant threat from labor flexibility. Non-compliance with labor legislation, the weakness of labor-related institutions and the partisan politicization of access to employment exacerbate the job crisis. These problems are at the root of phenomena such as rampant crime and mass migration.
YCW Germany: A National Action Group on Gender Equality
As in every other part of the world, gender inequality is a reality in Germany, a European country with a population of over 83 million. Before the German YCW held its National Action Days in 2017, the movement had already pinpointed gender as one aspect leading to inequalities in society and felt the need to deepen its analysis on the issue. Its concrete starting point was the reflection in its action group on precarious work, which had identified the connection between precarious work and gender. Decision was made to set up a national action group on gender equality.
The International YCW wishes you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024 !
While the hopes of thousands of people are shattered by wars, migration, economic and political instability, young people keep facing new challenges to confront this harsh reality. In the International YCW, we believe that through our struggle, commitment and work, we will be able to achieve our goals and build a just society despite the obstacles that stand in our way. We are confident that the future will be better thanks to the joint effort of solidarity among those who believe in our movement and in the young workers who are the present and future of our society. We want to thank all those who believe in organized youth, in our task of education, in our struggles and our actions. The YCW, with nearly 100 years of existence, will continue to encourage young people to get organized, trained, and to build a dignified life for the workers. Let us renew this commitment to unity every year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024!
International Migrants Day 2023
“Being a migrant worker or a refugee is not our dream. But there is no other choice to survive and improve our well-being and that of our families.”
December 18 has been International Migrants Day since it was established by the ILO in 2000. Of course, behind every day of commemoration, there are stories of men and women, and therefore good reasons to celebrate it every year.
We, the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW), support the commemoration of the International Migrants Day 2023. Youth migration and refugees are among our movement’s priority actions.
- Philippines: The Life and Work of Young Fishermen in Mercedes, Camarines Norte
- Brazil YCW: Raising Awareness of the Environment and the Solidarity Economy, Cookery School and Plastic Recycling Project
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: For a Future Where all Women Live Free from Fear and Violence
- The IYCW at UNESCO: Let’s Build a Peaceful Future for the New Generations
- Peru: a Lima YCW Action to Re-communalize Neighborhood Life
- JOC Europe: European Seminar in Linz, Austria
- Fourth Issue of IYCW Bulletin: "Work, Justice and Equality for a Dignified Life: Let's be the Change Young People Need for the Future"
- The Challenge of Training to Empower Young People in the Congo YCW
- Pakistan YCW Is Calling for Support: Help Needed for Jaranwala's Christian Community
- Chile YCW Training Week 2023: Strengthening Knowledge, Analyzing Local and National Realities, Helping to Preserve the Environment
- The IYCW Calls for Social Justice that will Guarantee a Life with Dignity for All
- Peru YCW: Young Protagonists of Social Transformation
- Philippine Young Workers Care for our Common Home
- Fundraising Campaign of Chile YCW & Peru YCW
- May 1st: Young Workers Demand Work, Justice and Equality for a Dignified Life
- Future Opportunities and Challenges for the Social and Solidarity Economy
- Young women workers are still struggling for equality, equity and dignity!
- Third Issue of IYCW Bulletin: "From Peru, in the midst of war, Moving towards the Centenary of the IYCW"
- The IYCW concludes its 15th International Council and action plan
- International Conference of NGOs at UNESCO: The IYCW Calls for Empowering Programs for the Youth