All YCI programs take into consideration the important role that women and girls play in development. Take a look at a couple examples of how our programs have benefited women in Tanzania and Kenya.

YCI has been engaged in Gender related programming in Guyana for many years. Over the last year volunteers have been involved in some particularly successful programming in a couple communites located in remote areas of region 9. To read more about recent gender programs in Guyana click here.

YCI is currently working in Ghana with the YMCA and a local organization, YES. Gender Equity programming is an important element of the work we do in Ghana, and Robyn Agosten, YCI's Program Manager in Ghana has written an article about the ways that YCI volunteers can begin to address issues of Gender and Development. Check it out!

We are very pleased to announce that Jessica Lockhart, YCI Vanuatu alumnus, has joined the staff team here in Toronto as our new Office Manager! In addition to spending time in Vanuatu with YCI, Jess has recently completed a degree in Journalism from Ryerson University. Read an article she's written on her experiences and the ways that gender equity has played an important role in them.

This month we would like to highlight two organizations working to promote equity for women:

Association of Women's Rights in Development. is an international membership organization that aims to "connect, inform and mobilize people and organizations committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women's human rights". The AWID website is packed full of resources, including publications, announcements, job alerts, links and events listings for those interested in engaging themselves in gender development. Visit their website

Family Legal Education for Women FLEW is a consortium of 6 women's organizations who have come together in Ontario to help "inform and enable women" who are in need of access to legal information and who are facing disadvantages due to immigration, religious, cultural, or other issues. Visit their website to see how you can get involved.