Stories archive

Young Women Remember has uncovered hidden women’s stories related to the history and heritage of The Young Women’s Movement. These stories have been recorded in various formats including audio and video oral histories, personal written accounts and biographies of pioneers of the movement no longer with us. 

Explore the collection below to find out more about the incredible history of The Young Women’s Movement from 1924 until the present day. 

If you, or someone you know, worked, volunteered or took part in activities with the YWCA in Scotland at any point since 1924, we’d love to hear all about it. This could have been at a member centre, hostel or other community location.

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Ellen

Surbhi Sanklesha

41, originally from India and currently residing in Glasgow, Surbhi was a former volunteer for YWCA Glasgow. She described memorable moments of line dancing, cupcake decorating...

Stella Jane Reekie

Stella Jane Reekie (1922-1982) from Gravesend, Kent was an interfaith worker, missionary and later Deaconess whose compassion and determination helped shape modern interfaith work in Glasgow.

Muminah Koleoso

24, originally from Nigeria and currently residing in Dumfries, Muminah was a member of the Young Women Lead project and made an appearance on 30 under...

Morningside Young Wives Group

Betty Philip, Mary Ross and Joyce McLean started a Young Wives Group in Morningside through the YWCA where they raised lots of money for local charities...

Linda Fraser

Linda stayed at a YWCA hostel in the Inverleith area of Edinburgh from the age of 18 during the 1960s where she made lifelong friends.

Libby Smith

47, originally from Glasgow and remains a local, Libby also has a rich history with The Young Women's Movement. She is the active Business and Finance...

Kirsty Kelly

41, originally from Edinburgh and now splitting her time between home and Kirkcaldy, Kirsty is an active volunteer for The Young Women's Movement and spent time...

Katie Bradley

Early 30s, originally from Paisley and remains a local, Katie was a member of the Young Women Lead project. She helped develop a digital map of...

Kara Olayinka

Kara Brown (now Kara Olayinka) was Director of The Young Women's Movement from 2016-18, the youngest CEO in the history of YWCA at that time*, aged...

Jessie Service and Isabel Flemming

Isabel Fleming (1890 - 1983) and Jessie Service (1888 - 1958) were Scottish missionaries involved in the YWCA who travelled widely, working in countries including Egypt,...

Isabel Carr Smart

71, originally from East Lothian and currently residing in Edinburgh, Isabel was the former Scottish Director of the YWCA. She was involved in the violence against...

Helen Hood

70, originally from Doncaster and currently residing in Edinburgh, Helen was the former President of YWCA Scotland. She was involved in many diverse initiatives throughout the...

Heidi McLean

Originally from England and currently residing in Glasgow, Heidi is an active volunteer for The Young Women's Movement and spent time as a Life-long Learning Officer...

Frances Addis

Frances stayed in a YWCA hostel in Glasgow during the 1950s where she made lifelong friends.

Emma Crawshaw

52, originally from Zimbabwe and currently residing in Edinburgh, Emma's had a rich history with The Young Women's Movement. She was a former volunteer and also...

Emily Love

30, originally from the Midlands and now splitting her time between Dunoon, Argyle and Bute, Emily was a former member of the Advisory Collective for The...

Elena Soper

35, originally from Edinburgh and remains a local, Elena is an active Partnership and Events Lead for The Young Women's Movement and was a driving force...

Dona Milne

Originally from Edinburgh and remains a local, Dona was a former Deputy Director for The Young Women's Movement. She spent the majority of her time working with the Roundabout...

Briana Pegado

33, originally from the United States and currently residing in Edinburgh, Briana was a former Chair of the Board and Interim CEO for The Young Women's...

Betty Philip

90, originally from Blairgowrie and now splitting her time between home and Edinburgh, Betty was a former Volunteer Youth Club Leader for The Young Women's Movement....

Beste Yasav

23, originally from Turkey and currently residing in Glasgow, Beste is an active Events Volunteer for The Young Women's Movement. She described the movement as incredibly...

Alison Robertson

Alison was involved with the YWCA during the 1970s through her husband's connection as CEO of the YWCA/YMCA in Dumfries.

Fatima Ishaq

21, originally from Dundee and remains a local, Fatima is an active member of the Young Women Know project and spent time as an Events Volunteer...

Angela Melvin

50, originally from England and currently residing in Glasgow, Angela is an active Programmes Lead for The Young Women's Movement with previous experience as a Building...

Amanda Amaeshi

21, originally from Dunfermline and currently splitting her time between home and London, Amanda is an active Trustee for The Young Women's Movement and appeared on...

Aine Beattie

25, originally from Inverness and currently residing in London, Áine is an active Trustee for the YWM and spent time on the Advisory Collective for the...

Explore the timeline

A history of YWCA Scotland from 1855 to present day.