This year’s World Week of Prayer by the World YMCA and YWCA was held from 10 to 16 November, under the theme “Young people transforming power structures for gender equality”. It is rooted in the need for the elimination of gender disparities and the transformation of the way societies treat young women and men.

Yangon’s YMCA on Theinbyu Road, Botahtaung Township, also commemorated the event. Firstly, Chairman U Thar Sein read the messages of greetings from the heads of the World YMCA and YWCA.

Next, Joint-Patron of the Finance Committee, U David Sakree gave prayers, Accountant Ma Ngu Wah Lin and Office In-charge Naw Phaw Ladar Say read scriptures, Human Resource Committee member Rev U Tin Maung Shwe delivered a sermon, and General-Secretary U Maung Maung Win spoke words of gratitude.

This was followed by songs and dances from the trainees on high-level secretary and raising awareness to stop gender-based violence.

The training course to stop gender-based violence is 16 days long and will be held in Lashio Park on 30 November. It is a cooperation between the Myanmar Anti-Trafficking of Persons Unit, Lashio District, Social Welfare Department, Township Administration Office, humanitarian organizations of Northern Shan State and IMO. The high-level secretary course will hold a graduation ceremony on 20 November. —Myanmar YMCA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)