Aotearoa's Future Is In Good Hands

The YWCA announces the annual Y25: 25 young women and gender diverse trailblazers doing incredible things for their communities, people and planet.

Now in its sixth year, Y25 continues to celebrate young women and those beyond the binary who are stepping forward to lead change. Developed by the YWCA, Y25 celebrates 25 young women and gender diverse changemakers between the ages of 15 and 25.

This year’s Y25 comes from across Aotearoa. They are advocates, activists, academics, athletes and leaders working to rectify past wrongs and help communities thrive. Their mahi spans advocacy for children in state care, LGBTQIA+ activism, indigenous storytelling, entrepreneurship, disability access, the arts and more.

From more than 100 nominations, the final 25 were selected for their vision, their leadership and their impact – whether far-reaching or community-focused.

The Y25 for 2025 represent the diverse experiences of growing up in Aotearoa and are announced at an evening event in Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday July 18th.

The list is found here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/b37a23b08c.html

“Given what is happening in our world, seeing and hearing from these leaders is more vital than ever,” says YWCA CEO Dellwyn Stuart. “Young women and gender diverse youth are often mischaracterised by the media, by politicians and by their elders. They tend to be seen, but not to be fully heard. We want to change this.

“This group of Y25ers are using their youth as a superpower, showing us new ways to succeed in Aotearoa. However, they do need support, access to networks and resources, and a safe place to be themselves and connect with others. This is what the Y25 programme provides for them.”

“We are celebrating trailblazers who are beacons of hope. Whether they are breaking barriers, representing their communities, creating joy and art, or helping solve some of the complex problems in our society," says Mary-Lynn Huxford, YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau Youth Engagement Manager & Y25 Lead Kaimahi

“The Y25 celebrates the many paths to success in Aotearoa. Many have faced challenges and used these experiences to build their tenacity and determination to make our country better. The Y25 platform is all about giving these trailblazers space to speak their truth, creating inspiring and visible role models, and ensuring they are heard and recognised on their terms,” says Huxford.

“Aotearoa has an abundance of remarkable young leaders already shaping their communities and our future. Every one of this year’s Y25 is an inspiration - a story of community, change and grit,” says Stuart.

As a six-month wraparound programme with tailored support, Y25 raises the voices of 25 changemakers each year and they form strong bonds within each cohort to last a lifetime.

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