Campaigning against and combating discrimination
YWCA works with young women from Gypsy and Traveller communities – one of the most disadvantaged groups of young women in England and Wales. They run services to support this largely unheard group, and campaign to combat the discrimination that they face.
Much of this discrimination is fuelled by negative stereotyping and a lack of understanding of Gypsy and Traveller communities' culture and traditions. They suffer a disproportionately high number of miscarriages, stillbirths, neo-natal and perinatal deaths and have the highest maternal death rate among all ethnic groups. Unsurprisingly they also have greater and more frequent feelings of anxiety and depression than other groups of women or men.
Funding the fight
That is why the Foundation funded YWCA’s pilot project with young Gypsy and Traveller women in Cumbria. This project enabled them to investigate and highlight the issues facing this group – with a particular focus on their experiences, heritage and identity. The project also aimed to inform and develop national best practice in work with Gypsy and Traveller women – and to promote their needs and help them to access services.
“The money from the Foundation has enabled us to reach young women we normally wouldn't be able to get to in many different ways. Some funders lack the progressive thinking it requires to look behind the racism and prejudice in the media and see vulnerable young women that need and deserve high quality youth work and policy change. We're glad the Foundation has been courageous enough to give this project a chance.”
(Lucy Russell, Policy Officer, YWCA England & Wales)
YWCA England & Wales is the leading charity working with the most disadvantaged young women in England & Wales. Young women face unique problems in today’s society. They are largely unheard and lack influence. YWCA wants a future where they can overcome prejudice and take charge of their own lives. YWCA run services to support them and campaign with them to combat the discrimination they face. For further information visit www.ywca.org.uk.
Photo: Photo reproduced by permission of YWCA England & Wales
