YWCA Proposed Constitutional Changes
About the changes
YWCA Australia (YWCA) is seeking to make its first constitutional changes since 2019.
This is not an activity undertaken lightly, and YWCA’s Board is in support of the changes proposed, while consultation with YWCA members has been/is underway before the change is put forward formally.
The changes that are being proposed are aligned to YWCA’s values and governance objectives. There are only two changes being proposed: an amendment to the definition of an Ordinary Member to allow for the recognition of gender diverse people; and a reduction in the number of Ordinary Members required to reach quorum at a Meeting of Members (AGM).
The proposed changes carry the endorsement of World YWCA.
Changes to the Definition of Ordinary Member
YWCA will be seeking Member approval to amend the definition of Ordinary Members to encompass women and gender diverse people.
An Ordinary Member carries voting rights on elections and Constitutional changes, eligibility for Board positions, and access to other opportunities exclusive to YWCA members. Ordinary Membership is currently limited to women over 12 years old. Gender diverse people, who are part of our community, are currently recognised as Associate Members, which means they can participate in many of our programs and activities but cannot vote on Constitutional changes, stand for the Board, or access other rights that Ordinary Members hold.
Why is this change important?
For many years, YWCA has been working alongside gender diverse people through our housing, service delivery, advocacy, and movement-building. Yet these same people cannot vote on our future or stand for our Board, which creates a gap between what we do and who we say we are. This change closes that gap.
YWCA Australia is devoted to advancing the human rights, safety, and wellbeing of women and gender-diverse people in all their diversity. We are proudly inclusive of cis women, transgender people, gender-diverse people, and gender non-conforming people, and all those who experience systemic marginalisation on the basis of their gender. Our work is grounded in principles of equality, respect, and dignity, and we are committed to creating a future where all people are safe, valued, and free to thrive. Reflecting this in our Constitution ensures that those most affected by gender inequality have a formal and recognised voice in the organisation's future, and not as an extension of our values, but as an expression of them.
YWCA Australia’s work is grounded in the lived realities of those most impacted by gender inequality. Our advocacy consistently shows that gender-diverse people are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, homelessness, family and domestic violence, mental health challenges, and economic precarity. Excluding these communities from Ordinary Membership risks reproducing the very inequities YWCA exists to challenge.
Change to the Number Required for an AGM Quorum
Quorum is the number of Ordinary Members that must be present, and remain for, the duration of a Meeting of Members, which includes the Annual General Meeting, or AGM. YWCA is seeking Member approval to reduce the current quorum of 30 Members to 15 Members.
Why is this Change Important?
AGMs are important events on the governance calendar and provide a platform for Members to connect with the organisation and its leaders. Across many sectors, however, attendance at AGMs has fallen over the years. In recent times, YWCA has made efforts to broaden its appeal, directly encourage Members to attend and issue reminders, however, there hasn’t been a corresponding increase in attendance.
If a quorum isn’t achieved a meeting has to be adjourned, or delayed, to another day. The Corporations Act requires AGMs for a company like YWCA be completed by 30 November. To ensure that YWCA meets its obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth.), YWCA seeks a reduction in the number of Ordinary Members required to meet quorum, from 30 to 15.
Why make these changes now?
YWCA has been working alongside gender diverse people in our programs and services for many years. The gap between who we serve and who we recognise as full members has become increasingly difficult to justify. Over recent years, many members and communities have made it clear that rigid binary definitions do not reflect their lived realities. The Board, Young Women's Council, and broader consultations have affirmed this is the right time to align our governance with our values and our practice.
On meeting quorum, we don’t want to lose sight of YWCA’s legacy as a member-based organisation but also want to ensure the ongoing sustainability of YWCA’s AGM and compliance with corporate regulation.
Who can vote on these changes?
Only Ordinary Members and Life Members have voting rights under the constitution. Ordinary Members are currently defined as Members aged 12 and over who identify as women.
The constitution can only be amended by a vote of Ordinary Members, 75% of the votes cast must be in favour of the change.
How will these changes impact me?
If you are already an Ordinary Member, the changes will not impact you. Your voting rights, your eligibility for governance roles, and your place in this organisation remain exactly as they are. Expanding our definition of an Ordinary Member to encompass gender diverse people enriches our membership and our movement, making YWCA a more welcoming organisation. This change reflects what has always been true: that gender diverse people share in the experience of gender inequality, and that their voices, contributions, and stake in this work have always belonged here.
Amendments to AGM quorum will have no impact on your rights to vote at, attend or participate in the AGM, and YWCA is still required to hold the AGM and provide all relevant information relating to the meeting in line with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth.). A reduction in meeting quorum will not change the voting thresholds needed to pass a resolution at a meeting of Members. YWCA Australia’s Constitution also permits direct voting, which provides Member with more accessible means of engaging with voting if they can’t attend the AGM.
Who supports these changes?
The YWCA Australia Board fully supports bringing these changes to Members, and World YWCA has also endorsed the changes.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have questions or wish to know more, you can reach out to the Company Secretary in any of the following ways:
By email: companysec@ywca.org.au
By phone: 0423 353 821
By mail: YWCA Australia
Attention: Company Secretary
1/210 Kings Way
South Melbourne VIC 3205