Women: An economic force?

An article on working women around the world driving the economy forward has come out today. Statistics support this claim, "Female employment in the developed countries has driven growth in the past two decades, a feat not unknown to China, where 80 % of working women are employed in small-to-medium enterprises, and the Philippines, where 63 % of overseas workers who contribute their heroic remittances are women. In the rest of Asia, 65 % of women who work are in SMEs".
What is your view? Please feel free to leave a comment or question about this topic on this site.

University in 10 years? I'm not too sure...

In the office today we were discussing an article in the Herald Sun about students deciding whether they are capable enough for university before they even finish primary school. It is concerning that students, particularly those from rural areas, are reluctant to gain the independence of leaving behind their family and friends for university. Read Article.
What allows students in rural areas the confidence to step out into cities for their university studies?
Want to know more about workshops about confidence for young women in high school? Check out Y It's All About You

‘Don’t Look Where You’ve Been… Look How Far You’ve Come’

Kathryn (name changed to protect privacy) tells her story in YWCA NSW's 2009 Annual Report. She describes her path to happiness after recovering from domestic abuse and undergoing the YWCA NSW Domestic Violence Services. The story opens eyes to the way mothers can be forced into situations in which their children are in danger, and how this can be stopped.
The story shows women there is a way out.

One Y

CEO of YWCA NSW, Kate Frost, has thanked the work of the staff, volunteers and supporters for the support and encouragement thoughout 2009 while YWCA NSW has undergone changes to bring all its programs together to provide consistent and successful solutions to communities.
"Change is often challenging, even without a global recession and without exception everyone has pulled together and made our ‘One Y’ a reality"
- Kate Frost

The farmer and the broom

John Harper, an inspiring farmer who has recovered from depression, has come forward with his story. After his recovery, John started promoting awareness about the importance of reducing stress and anxiety in times of severe strain or pressure. In partnership with YWCA NSW, John established a self-help program under the name of "Mate Helping Mate".
The question is raised: what are the most important things we can do as a community for those in rural areas suffering from depression in tough economic and environmental times?