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Shelley Osterloh ReportingLeaders of the two largest women's organizations in the world met today in Salt Lake City to talk about the issues facing women.
The two organizations are The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with nearly 5-million members world wide, and the YWCA, with 25 million members.
Though each comes from a different perspective, their goals are similar. Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, General Secretary of the World YWCA met with Kathleen Hughes, First counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency. The two leaders say their organzations share some similarities.
Kathleen H. Hughes, LDS Relief Society General Presidency: "Not only is it a volunteer effort, but our work is done with the spirit of love and concern for our fellow man."
Musimbi Kanyoro Ph.D., General Secretary World YWCA: "I also see a lot of similarity in that we are able to reach out to people regardless of the borders. It does not matter, it is the humanity that pulls us together."
The group discussed issues that impact women and families around the world, including violence, teen pregnancy, HIV-aids and poverty.
Musimbi Kanyoro Ph.D.: "Our major aim is how can we help people get out of poverty and not return to poverty. We find that emphasis on education is very important."
Dr Kanyoro also toured the Church's Welfare Square, Family Library and Humanitarian Center. She said she was impressed by the Church's efforts to provide emergency services to those around the world, but says the real solution is to end wars and violence.
Musimbi Kanyoro Ph.D.: "We really, at YWCA, are concerned that we work on the issue of violence at various levels. Not only at the family domestic level, but we also look at mega issues like violence in our own communities and violence in our nations."
The General Secretary is in town in honor of the YWCA of Salt Lake's 100 year anniversary. She says the Centennial celebrates the past while building for the future.
Musimbi Kanyoro Ph.D.: "It is a movement of the future in that our future is about developing communities, families, women, girls to be able to bring change that brings to our society the kind of brightness and happiness we want to have."
If you'd like to hear more, Dr. Kanyoro will speak tomorrow night at the Salt Lake Library auditorium at 6:30.
The YWCA, is in 122 countries around the world, serving 25-million members.
