YWCA Waikato

Championing young women since 1943

What we offer

Women's Wellbeing

Collaborations

Events & Activities

Hostel

Venue Hire

Our Vision and Mission

YWCA Waikato Vision

A Waikato where all self-identifying young women boldly realise their potential and lead lives with a strong sense of wellbeing, free from discrimination.

YWCA Waikato Mission

YWCA Waikato empowers self-identifying young women through advocacy, storytelling, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for leadership and growth so they can realise their potential and lead lives free from discrimination.

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 Stories

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

And That's a Wrap!

March 17th 2026And that’s a wrap on Season 3 of the Equal Agenda podcast! In this episode, Charlie and Mia reflect on the topics they explored, what they learned, and what stayed with them the most. A big thankRead more

Feminism Has a Western Accent

March 10th 2026Charlie and Mia are joined by special guest Matariki to explore how mainstream feminism has largely been shaped by Western histories, values, and priorities — and what that means for gender movemenRead more

Transcending the Binary

March 3rd 2026Gender equality isn’t just about feminism. It’s about equality for all gender identities. Real impact happens when the conversation is truly inclusive. In this episode, Charlie and Mia dive intoRead more

Blessed or Bound?

February 25th 2026Can religion and gender equality coexist or are they fundamentally at odds? So much of the world around us stems from religion, making it impossible to ignore when examining social issues. In thisRead more

Buy! Buy! Buy!

February 17th 2026More is more… right? We’re constantly being told what to buy, what we need, and what will make us look or feel better. The rapid cycle of micro-trends creates constant pressure to keep up, whileRead more

Gendered Double Standards

February 11th 2026From dating to motherhood, careers to appearance, women are expected to do it all, flawlessly, all the time. And honestly? We’re TIRED. Join Charlie, Mia and guest Bryanna as they unpack and questiRead more

You're Being Influenced

February 4th 2026Let’s face it - media doesn’t just entertain us, it teaches us. In this episode, Charlie and Mia explore how pop culture, from Disney princesses to video games, influences our beliefs aboutRead more

The Conservative Epidemic

January 29th 2026What 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

January 21st 2026Where 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

January 14th 2026Season 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

November 25th 2025This 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

November 6th 2025Join 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

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.

Ways to support the YWCA Waikato

Stay connected

Follow us for stories, events, and ways to support young Waikato women.

Volunteer

Your time and energy can make a real difference in the lives of young women in our community. By volunteering, you’ll help create safe spaces, build confidence, and open up opportunities for the next generation of wāhine to thrive.

Email us

Donate

Your donation directly supports activities, events, and advocacy that empower young women to reach their full potential. Together, we can create opportunities, break down barriers, and help the next generation thrive.

Donate today

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Contact

Call us: 027 756 4402
Email us: hostel@ywcawaikato.org.nz
Visit us: 28 Pembroke Street, Hamilton

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