Taking the Lead - YWCA Regional Training Institute in Estonia
Kimberley Swan, Chair and President of YWCA Scotland led the delegation of representatives from YWCAs across Britain to the Regional Training Institute for young women in Estonia in October 2010. This is her account of the event.
I was asked by YWCA of GB not only to attend the Regional Training Institute (RTI) in Estonia, but to lead the delegation. Although I am President of YWCA Scotland and Vice President of YWCA of Great Britain, I’d never attended an RTI, let alone led a delegation, so this was quite daunting.
However, my fears were short lived when I arrived in Tallinn, Estonia. The delegation consisted of a staff member from YWCA Sheffield and two young women from different centres in England and Wales. All delegates were great company and each had a commitment to learn and take the most they could from this experience to help YWCA.
The RTI covered a wide rang of topics with the main three of Sexual Rights and Health Rights, HIV/AIDS and Violence against Women linking into the three main themes of World Council in Switzerland in 2011.
These topics were discussed in depth and we broke into groups to learn and share experiences of similar issues but also the differences within YWCAs in Europe. It was a great privilege to be involved and to meet so many committed young women from all over Europe. We also developed our understanding of other important issues and training needs such as advocacy work, social media and communication plans.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the RTI and would encourage all young women, staff and volunteers to apply for similar opportunities when they arise. Experiences like the RTI increase awareness and knowledge of issues affecting the lives of young women, but also increase your personal capacity and teach you so much!
