The National YWCA of Korea, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, is hosting a YWCA History Forum under the theme “Reflections and Prospects of Christian Women’s Movement in the Korean YWCA Movement” This forum aims to contemplate the historical significance of the YWCA movement within the context of Korean Christian women’s activism and to explore the direction of Christian women’s movement in the new history that will unfold in the new 100 years.
Scheduled for 2 PM on July 22nd at the Seoul YWCA 4th-floor auditorium, this forum will delve into the early founding spirit and purpose of the National YWCA of Korea during the Japanese colonial period in 1922, with the theme of “Women’s Liberation and National Independence for the Building of God’s Kingdom.” The forum will address historical errors made under the influence of the times and will examine the memories and prospects of the National YWCA of Korea movement from the perspective of Christian women’s activism. It will focus on keywords such as ‘students,’ ‘youth,’ and ‘community’ from the pre-Korean War era to the present. Particularly noteworthy is the collaboration with the Kim Pil-rye Memorial Project, established to research the contributions of Kim Pil-rye, one of the founders of the National YWCA of Korea, and honor her achievements.
The forum will feature presentations by Dr. Son Seung-ho (Former Secretary-General of the Foundation for the History and Culture of Korean Christianity), Dr. Kim Eun-ha (Visiting Professor at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary), General Secretary Do Im-bang-ju (Korea Christian Student Federation), Professor Kwak Ji-young (Professor at Soongsil Cyber University), Ms. Shin Bo-mi (Cheongju YWCA Seubu Social Welfare Center), and Ms. Lee Da-in (Student President of Jungshin Girls’ High School). The hosts of the forum are Professor Seo Jeong-min (Meiji Gakuin University, Japan) and Vice President Lee Eun-young (National YWCA of Korea).
The 100-year history of the National YWCA of Korea aligns with the history of women’s and Christian movements in Korea. This forum provides an opportunity to reflect on the values and aspirations of justice, peace, and life through the National YWCA of Korea’s aim and activities in our society.
