Here are some examples of YWCA programs in Eastern Europe:


La Strada program, YWCA of Belarus

A comprehensive program to prevent trafficking in women and support women who have been trafficked

Trafficking in women is one of the most urgent problems facing women in Belarus.

The YWCA of Belarus's La Strada program provides women with information about international marriages and working or studying abroad. The program aims to inform vulnerable groups of women about the risks of trafficking and how to avoid various traps.

An important part of the program is a national hotline, staffed by psychologist and social workers, that urges women going abroad to call the hotline before they go.

The La Strada program also includes advocacy and awareness raising, preventative education and counselling and assistance for women who have been trafficked.

The YWCA of Belarus is part of an international network working on the prevention of trafficking in women from Central and Eastern Europe.

For more information visit the YWCA of Belarus website.


Sexual and reproductive health and rights workshops, YWCA of Ukraine 

Young women in Ukraine learn about sexual and reproductive health and rights, including HIV and AIDS.  

Ukraine has the highest number of people living with HIV in Europe.

In response, the YWCA of Ukraine has organised workshops in the capital Kyiv that educate young women on sexual and reproductive health and rights, including HIV and AIDS.  

Young women attending the workshops learn about responsible sexual behaviour, the importance of good sexual health and the social and economic factors that make women vulnerable to HIV.  As well as learning about the dangers of unprotected sex, participants get information on how to access anonymous HIV testing and consultations and support.

The YWCA of Ukraine will continue hosting the workshops and hopes to expand the program to include the participation of sex workers.