YWCA

Young Women’s Christian Association

General Mailing Address:

755 E. Willetta St.

Phoenix, AZ 85006

Chris Long

Public Relations/Community Outreach Coordinator

Office: (602) 258-0990

Fax: (602) 258-9116

Email: info@ywaaz.org

ASU Student Involvement:

Students can volunteer by providing basic support in the administrative office, working on the board of the YWCA Maricopa County who are chose by a nominating committee which seeks to encourage diversity by recruiting men and women who represent a variety of abilities, religious beliefs, influences, ages, races, and cultural backgrounds, being a part of the Annual Tribute to Women luncheon in orchestrating the event, serving as a senior center home deliver meals driver, landscaper, and help in restocking the supply room.

YWCA and Financial Literacy

            The YWCA advocates their mission to the dedication of eliminating discrimination, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, and to develop opportunities for women’s growth in leadership and power (YWCA, 2010) The local organization of Maricopa County has therefore sought to educate and empower women in terms of financial literacy, pay equity, and legislation that will serve all women in our state and across the country ( (Long, 2010). Instruction in financial literacy carries as one of its goals breaking the cycle of poverty (Colletti, 2004). As poverty has become feminized in globalization, it is only adequate that programs be created to desist women from becoming impoverished.

To empower women, YWCA AZ has created financial literacy programs to teach women about savings, credit, insurance, risk management, investment, and achieving and maintaining financial security, which will support and encourage women to take proactive roles in their financial health and well-being and with the goal of eliminating the intimidation that individuals can feel in relation to finance (YWCA, 2010) Many women are faced with financial illiteracy especially in circumstances where they have never had control of money due to marriage, have become widowed or divorced, or must become the bread winners for their families. Chris Long of the YWCA AZ suggests that in cases of domestic violence, financial literacy is a great skill to deter violence and retain the safety of women so as they may never have to be dependent on any one but themselves (Long, 2010). Another program offered at the YWCA AZ is Arizona Wage Hub, which highlights the pay inequity of women by providing multiple online sources about Arizona wages. In current standing, the pay rate for women is 77 cents to the dollar that men earn. The question would rise as to why there is a difference in wages if our country has come a long in equal rights but research confirms that the degree of gender segregation in an occupation, industry or workplace has a significant influence on the wage rates of women and men. The relative contribution of different factors leading to differences in wage levels suggests segregation of work has penalized women. (Blake, 2008). The focus on advocacy then moves on to leglislation reform by promoting laws that provide healthcare for women and children, domestic violence, and any legality that can power and disempower women (Long, 2010).

To create social change, women must become financially independent as the YWCA AZ proposes. As poverty plagues women all over the world, it is dire that one advocate for the education of women about their finances. The programs offered at our local chapter must be encouraged for all women to attend, especially those entering the workforce or have met special circumstances in their life that would render them dependent on someone other than themselves. Legislation must be protected as it can change the outcome of a woman’s life from one day to the next. Financial literacy is the gateway to equality and we must protect and support the YWCA mission.

Works Cited

YWCA. (2010, November 23). Retrieved from www.ywaaz.org

Blake, N. (2008). Inquiry Asks Why Women are Paid Less than Men. Austrailian Nursing Journal , 21.

Colletti, C. (2004). Girls and Money: A Coordinated Approach to Financial Literacy. Independent School , 62-65.

Long, C. (2010, Novmeber 17). Financial Independence. (J. Gomez, & M. Cabrera, Interviewers)