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YWCA of Hamilton

Championing young women since 1943

Our Focus

At the YWCA of Hamilton we believe every young woman deserves to live a life she values—and we’re here to help make that possible. Through storytelling, advocacy, and community-building, we lead and connect. We create and support events, workshops, and activities that open up opportunities for young women to thrive. Grounded in their voices and lived experiences, our work builds spaces—both online and in person—where young women feel seen, heard, and supported.

In addition to our core focus of championing young women in the Waikato, we also provide services for the wider community. Our hostel and venue hire are open to everyone.

Our Services

Our definition of "women" is intersectional and inclusive

At the YWCA of Hamilton, our doors are open to all self-identifying women—Māori, Indigenous, women of colour, transgender and queer women, femmes, disabled women, former refugees, immigrants, and women from every faith, ethnicity, community, and economic background.

Our Stories

Explore our blogs, reports, and podcasts for insights and inspiration.

Season 2 Finale

Join Hazel, Martine, and Jameena in the season finale as they reflect on their journey and share favourite moments, lessons learned, and their hopes for the future of gender equality. A heartfelt thaRead more

Womanhood

In this episode, we are joined by some very special guests: Isabelle and Mollie, hosts of Equal Agenda Season 1. We delve into the concept of womanhood and discuss our own definitions of womanhood,Read more

Done Playing "Nice"

Why are women told to smile more, be kind and likable even when it costs them power, confidence, or peace? We’re calling it out. This episode dives into the fine line between kindness andRead more

Not Your Object

In this episode, our hosts dive into how women are oversexualised - from what we see on social media and in pornography, to the way public figures reinforce harmful stereotypes. This culture showsRead more

You Like It? Prove It.

Why do women have to prove they like the things they like? This week, we dive into the exhausting reality of being a woman with an interest - whether it’s Formula 1, sports and the gym, comics, orRead more

Women’s Anatomy and Autonomy

Reproductive rights, periods, birth control, and the fears we quietly carry. This week our hosts Martine, Jameena, and Hazel dive into the messy and personal reality of women’s reproductive health,Read more

Influencers Shaping or Shaking Culture

Influencers are everywhere, shaping our conversations, culture, and even our worldviews. But are they truly shaping culture for the better, or are they shaking the very foundations of progress? In thRead more

Whose Clock Are We On?

Why does life for women feel like a never-ending checklist? This episode unpacks the timelines society places on us. From the expectation that every relationship must end in marriage to the clashRead more

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

Comparison is the thief of joy. A line first spoken by Theodore Roosevelt, but one that feels more relevant than ever in 2025. In this episode, our hosts dive into how social media, fitness culture,Read more

Introducing Season 2: Meet Our Hosts

Meet our amazing new team of hosts Martine, Jameena, and Hazel. These wāhine bring fresh perspectives and energy to the conversation. They reflect on the experiences that have shaped theirRead more

Season 1 Finale: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Mollie and Isabelle candidly reflect on what they’ve learned, highlighting key points, challenges, and common themes across the episodes. A big shoutout to all the wonderful guests who were so openRead more

Let’s Talk Endometriosis and Healthcare Inequality

Endometriosis is more common than you think and too often misunderstood. Annette Evans, manager and educator at Insight Endometriosis, joins Isabelle and Mollie to unpack the reality of diagnosis,Read more