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YWCA Waikato

Championing young women since 1943

Our Focus

At YWCA Waikato 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 YWCA Waikato, 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.

The Conservative Epidemic

What does the rise of conservatism mean for gender equality? What does the trendy trad housewife really mean for feminism? In this episode, our hosts Charlie and Mia are answering tough questions andRead more

Gender Unpacked: Nature vs Nurture

Where does gender really come from? Are we born with it or do we learn it? In this episode, Charlie and Mia dive into the nature vs nurture debate, unpacking myths around masculinity, femininity, andRead more

Season 3: Meet Our Hosts

Season 3 has officially launched! Our new hosts Charlie and Mia introduce themselves and talk about how they discovered the issue of gender equality, experiences that have shaped their ideas aboutRead more

Annual Report 2024-25

This Annual Report covers our impact and financials for the last financial year and our goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. Read more

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