On September 29th, the National YWCA of Korea celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gratitude festival held at the Ewha Girls’ High School Memorial Hall, commemorating the 100-year journey of Christian women’s movement. Hosted by CBS anchor Kim Yong-shin, the event featured an opening prayer and welcome speech by President Won Young-hee, a congratulatory poem by poet Kim Jae-hwa, and a praise performance by the Sorielle ensemble, marking the start of the festivities.
President of the National YWCA of Korea Won Young-hee mentioned in the welcoming speech, “The 100 years of the National YWCA of Korea is not just our own 100 years, but a century of women’s movement and the movement of Christian women.” She emphasized, “The YWCA Korea and all activists and members from 52 member YWCAs, along with citizens who supported YWCA’s pursuits in justice, peace, and the sanctity of life, are collectively celebrating this 100th anniversary.” The gratitude festival on this day proceeded with an award ceremony recognizing individuals and institutions that contributed to the 100-year journey through volunteerism and dedication. The ceremony concluded with a final performance presenting the 100th-anniversary emblem, symbolizing the wish for YWCA to continue navigating beyond its first century towards change, sailing smoothly for the generations to come.
At the 100th-anniversary gratitude festival, awards were presented based on the spirit and mission of the National YWCA of Korea. The ‘YWCA Award’ was bestowed upon leaders who significantly contributed to the growth and development of the National YWCA of Korea. The ‘Moon Tae-Im Award’ was given to volunteers who made notable contributions to YWCA’s development, and the ‘Park Esther Award’ was presented to activists who played a remarkable role in advancing the National YWCA of Korea.
Additionally, service awards were given to the National YWCA of Korea members, including 15 individuals for 50 years of service, 25 individuals for 40 years, 78 individuals for 30 years, and 138 individuals for 20 years. Recognition for years of service in the professional field was also acknowledged, with 6 individuals receiving the 30-year service award, 69 receiving the 20-year award, and 188 receiving the 10-year award. Acknowledgment plaques expressing gratitude were awarded to individuals and organizations that have been part of YWCA’s 100-year journey, including Kwon Oh-hyeong, the representative of Samduk Accounting Firm, Kim Ju-young, the representative lawyer of Hanluri Law Firm, Pyo Dae-jung, the representative labor attorney of Labor Law Firm, Social Developer Group Deoham, World YWCA, and Korea City Bank Co., Ltd.
The National YWCA of Korea established the ‘YWCA Honors Society’ to honor and express special gratitude to donors who generously supported the National YWCA of Korea. Members of this society are those who have contributed a total of over 100 million won in donations, including current fund sponsors and property donors (including buildings/real estate). As of September 2022, there are 12 members. Following various award ceremonies during the gratitude festival, performances such as Batuta’s percussion show, Chungju YWCA’s dance team, and Daejeon DMC Children’s Choir’s congratulatory performances continued.
Participants pledged to support the National YWCA of Korea in addressing global challenges such as climate crisis, peace, and anti-nuclear movements within local communities, and to take a leading role in transforming society beyond the church as an ecumenical Christian movement. The concluding performance of the gratitude festival saw YWCA members, spanning from teenagers to those in their 80s, making a determined commitment to continue their journey beyond 100 years, persistently “moving forward with women toward change”.
Additionally, at the open booth located at the entrance of the Yu Gwansun Memorial Hall, various events were held, including ‘100 Projects to Save the World – Heungcheongmangcheong,’ ‘YWCA 1922 Scholarship,’ support and fundraising activities for youth and young people, contemplating women’s and life movements that can be carried out in local areas, and a program where members participated in creating the lyrics of the new National YWCA of Korea song.
Furthermore, as part of the National YWCA of Korea’s 100th-anniversary celebration, a special award was presented in August through the ‘Citizen-Selected YWCA Program Award.’ Among the programs recognized, the Incheon YWCA’s Recycling Green Sharing Market, which has been contributing to environmental preservation and supporting neighbors with profits for 18 years, was selected based on the votes of 5,396 citizens. Additionally, the Busan YWCA’s ‘Closure Movement of Kori-1 Nuclear Reactor and Anti-Nuclear Movement,’ and Ansan YWCA’s ‘Guardians of Justice’ received the ‘YWCA Programs that Enlighten the World Award.’ Other programs recommended for the ‘YWCA Programs that Enlighten the World Award’ include Donghae YWCA’s participation in environmental activism, Busan YWCA’s Citizen Solar Power Plant, Daegu YWCA’s Kabutsu Flea Market, Gwangju YWCA’s Clothing Dispute Mediation Committee, Goyang YWCA’s Climate Era Ecofeminism Journey, and Anyang YWCA’s Gender Impact Assessment System and Monitoring of the Operation Status of Adult Budget Systems.
Established in 1922, even during the Japanese colonial period as the ‘Chosun Christian Young Women’s Association,’ the National YWCA of Korea is the oldest women’s organization in Korea with a century-long history. The 100 years of the National YWCA of Korea represent a history of Korean women’s movements spanning multiple generations, challenging unjust systems and realities in society to practice justice, peace, and the sanctity of life. Anticipations are set for the National YWCA of Korea to continue its legacy, contributing to the transformation of Korean society into one characterized by justice, peace, and the preservation of life.
