At YMCA Ireland, we are deeply proud of our longstanding commitment to empowering young people, both women and men, to build a brighter future for all. We are dedicated to providing young women with the support and opportunities they need to thrive, fostering their leadership potential and enabling them to become active agents of positive change.
Alongside this, we recognise our historical and ongoing responsibility to engage young boys and men in proactive learning and programmes that challenge harmful stereotypes, address cultural norms, explore healthy relationships and consent within safe environments, and promote gender equality. We firmly believe it is vital that young men become agents of change within their schools, communities, and workplaces, taking meaningful strides towards achieving gender equality for future generations. By nurturing a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration, we are accelerating action towards a truly inclusive and equitable society.
Rooted in our values of welcome, opportunity, wellbeing, peace, and justice, we celebrate the incredible women shaping our movement.
Through our youth programmes and services – we actively work towards empowering young women, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to reach their full potential.
Our youth programmes offer a variety of activities and opportunities for young women, including:
- Leadership Development: We provide training and support to help young women develop their leadership skills and become active members of their communities.
- Personal development: Our programmes focus on building self-esteem, resilience, and confidence, helping young women to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
- Skills Development: We offer training in areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making, equipping young women with the skills they need to succeed in education, employment, and life.
- Advocacy and Social Action: We encourage young women to use their voices to make a difference in the world, supporting them to advocate for social justice and equality.
Advocacy for Equality and Inclusion
As strong advocates for gender equality and inclusion – we believe that all young people, regardless of their gender, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We work to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination, and to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
Impact on Young Women
Our work with young women has a significant impact on their lives. By providing them with the skills, knowledge, and support they need, we are helping them to:
- Develop their leadership potential
- Build their self-esteem and confidence
- Achieve their educational and career goals
- Become active and engaged citizens
“Since transitioning to the nonprofit sector a year ago, YMCA Ireland has empowered me with leadership training, mentorship, and growth opportunities that fuel both my personal and professional development. I’m continually inspired by the remarkable women who led the way for me to be here and drive change, as well as the male leaders in YMCA who through their allyship, champion equality and inclusion.”
Natasha McR – Business Development Officer, YMCA Ireland
“Over the past six months of working at the YMCA, I have been so inspired by all of the amazing women I see lead each day. I’ve felt encouraged and uplifted in my own role, and have also loved seeing the young women coming to our youth club include others and spur each other on so boldly. To work in an environment where I feel deeply respected and am able to not only be empowered by amazing women but to also then pass that on to teenage girls and see them thrive in community with one another has been amazing!”
Ellie McIlwrath – Connected Youth Apprentice, Belfast YMCA
“YMCA Ireland has been privileged to recruit 4 young women to our leadership team over the past year. We have been inspired by the fresh approaches taken by Andrea, Aoileánn, Natasha and Alex and we look forward to seeing the difference that their individual skills will bring to the movement over the coming months and years.”
John Peacock CEO, YMCA Ireland
“As CEO of Larne YMCA I am truly inspired to have an organisation that is a female dominated organisation. With over 90% of the staff team females working right from face to face roles to senior management and to Larne YMCA Board of Management, it inspires me to see the full, active and professional inputs and impacts that the females within Larne YMCA give on a daily basis. I am also extremely proud to say that two of the longest serving members of staff who are both females have been with Larne YMCA for 24+ years which is inspiring not only for me but also for other females out there that we are an organisation that nurtures women, their talents and provide a space for them to grow, learn and develop while for both of these women raising a family that are now active parts of Larne YMCA and the wider YMCA Ireland movement.”
Dean Nutt CEO, Larne YMCA
“When I reflect on the women in YMCA, it is incredibly inspiring to think of the many brilliant women I have had the joy of knowing and learning from.
I began the YMCA 11 years ago as a volunteer, without direction or purpose, I quickly found passion and aspiration from the talented, driven, loving, hard working women who had carved the path before me. Local youth workers, management and national team members all played crucial roles in my development which today has led me to my dream job within the National YMCA Ireland team.
Thank You is too small, for the immense transformative impact the women who supported me and the young women I worked with taught me about driving change, being an advocate, breaking down barriers, creating safe spaces, facilitating change and supporting each other. Here’s to you.”
Aoileánn Glenn, Training and Development Officer, YMCA Ireland
“YMCA Newcastle has some wonderful women at the heart of the organisation and on this international women’s day I want to celebrate all of them and recognise each one for their dedication and hard work. I especially would like to thank two incredible staff members, firstly Donna, an E2T youth worker. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide an outstanding level of support to vulnerable young people. She is a champion for inclusion and a fearsome advocate for justice. Secondly Kat, our admin and finance officer, who works tirelessly behind the scenes. She is such an integral part of the smooth day to day operations of the centre. She is patient and professional with skills that go beyond number crunching. Kat is the glue that holds us together with the wisdom and compassion she brings to our workplace.”
Jim McDowell – Youth Work Manager, YMCA Newcastle
“Since stepping into my role at YMCA Ireland, I’ve learned and grown so much, both personally and professionally. Working alongside so many incredible women has been truly inspiring, and International Women’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate their impact. YMCA creates amazing opportunities for young women to lead, learn, and thrive, and I’m grateful to be part of an organisation that pushes for real change. Every day, I see the power of mentorship, support, and community—and I feel lucky to be on this journey with such an amazing team.”
Andrea Spence, Director of Operations, YMCA Ireland.
“Being a part of the YMCA has empowered me as a woman to be more confident, strong, and not afraid to speak up about what I believe in. From a participant in the YMCA’s Youth in Government programme to now a volunteer, I have been supported on the journey and been given empowering training on how to be a strong mentor and leader. I am always inspired by the strong women and girls around me in the YMCA and will carry the lessons I have learned from them with me on journey”Clodagh McLaughlin, Volunteer, Belfast YMCA Youth in Government Programme
“As Head of Youth and Community Services at YMCA Dublin, I’m proud to work alongside incredible women at every level of our organisation—from frontline youth workers to senior leadership, including our CEO, Kathryn O’Mahony. Their dedication, leadership, and passion inspire not only our team but also the young women and children in our services. Representation matters, and every day, we see the impact of strong female role models shaping the next generation with confidence and purpose.“
Leanne Young, Head of Youth & Community Services, Dublin YMCA
If you are a young person interested in getting involved with YMCA, we would love to hear from you. You can contact us here.
