Feminists Celebrate As Patricia Ireland Takes the Helm at Y.W.C.A.

May 2, 2003

by NOW Staff

Women's rights supporters across the U.S. cheered this week as the Y.W.C.A. of the USA announced it would appoint former NOW President Patricia Ireland as its chief executive, effective May 15.

Saying it was an "irresistible honor" to lead the 145 year-old organization, Ireland pledged to work on the grassroots level and in Washington to strengthen the Y.W.C.A.'s advocacy programs, particularly in working toward the goals of empowering women and girls and eliminating racism.

Credited with developing the first child care programs in the U.S., the Y.W.C.A. today has 300 branches that provide battered women's facilities and community programs, including job training and placement, violence prevention and shelter for women and families.

Current NOW President Kim Gandy applauded the Y.W.C.A.'s selection of Ireland, who spent nearly ten years as NOW president organizing activists to defend women's access to abortion, elect women to political office, work closely with other social justice and civil rights groups, and champion international feminist issues.

"Patricia Ireland is back in the public policy arena, and this is wonderful news for the women's movement," Gandy said. "She made major progress for women's rights during her tenure as president of NOW, and it's marvelous to know she'll be doing the same invaluable work for women and girls as head of the Y.W.C.A."