Brussels, Belgium — 1–12 May 2025 — The International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) celebrated its centenary under the theme “United in Dignity, Together in Action,” marking 100 years of unwavering commitment to the dignity and rights of young workers across the globe.

From May 1 to 12, over 100 YCW representatives from every continent convened in Brussels, the birthplace of the movement founded by Joseph Cardijn. Delegates came from as far as Australia and India, Argentina and Egypt, Japan and Brazil, to Germany, Ghana, Mexico, Thailand, Quebec, and beyond. The centenary celebrations served not only as a time of remembrance but also as a platform for renewal and global solidarity.

As part of the celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the YCW in Laeken, Belgium, we had the great pleasure of listening to inspiring testimonies from young leaders who are keeping the movement's legacy alive today. Their speeches highlighted how their involvement in the YCW is transforming their personal lives while enabling them to take concrete action to change society.

These voices represent thousands of young people around the world who, through their local actions, are fueling an international movement for transformation, dignity, and justice.

“Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, there is still a lot of inequality. I won't name the company, but in 2023, before finishing my degree, I worked in a company that did not hire women with children, as they said the only priority had to be the company. The few of us who managed to get in couldn't get emergency leave. I'm a single mother and it got complicated when they asked me to stay late. I think that many women even have to omit mentioning that they have a child if they want to get a job and to be able to raise their children.

I didn't stay very long in that company. Thank God I got a better offer. In the workplace, women are seen as the weaker sex, but I think we are becoming more empowered, we are fighting to earn respect and jobs to bring up our children with a lot of effort and sacrifice. I am raising a boy who, when he becomes a man, will be able to give women the place they deserve. We are on an equal footing; we may not have the same physical strength, but we have the courage and the desire to be a game changer.” - Leyla, 32 years old