Song Kitchen is a profit-for-purpose business, which means all proceeds help fund programs run by YWCA NSW which assist women, girls and other young people throughout the state.
Protecting and empowering women
The YWCA NSW has a long history, founded in 1881 to provide a safe haven for “unprotected” women arriving by ship from Europe. These women were promised a better future in Australia but often found themselves alone on the other side of the world and at risk of serious exploitation and poverty.
This history of helping vulnerable women has evolved and expanded over time. The term “unprotected females” is still relevant in 21st century NSW, however today it applies to women experiencing gender-based inequality, homelessness or women and their families who find themselves without shelter due to domestic violence.
In practice, YWCA case workers might assist these women to navigate the court system or find temporary accommodation, and we would work with our partner network, such as Housing NSW, to secure long-term housing.
Some of the funds raised through the Song Kitchen will be specifically directed towards establishing and maintaining a women’s shelter in Sydney’s Macarthur region.
Educational programs
Increasingly YWCA programs are also being developed for school-aged children on issues such as respectful relationships and cybersafety, to help them stay engaged with the education process and to develop leadership skills. These programs include Y QUEST, an empowerment and leadership program for young women aged 14-16, and Y BRAVE, an interactive educational program for children in Years 3 to 11, implemented within schools on subjects including resilience, bullying and respectful relationships.
