YWCA networks with the government, policy makers, local communities and the general public for the care and empowerment of girls and women. It advocates for the empowerment of women and girls and delivers a diverse range of community programs with services aiming at their holistic development. Some of the programs and services provided by the YWCA of Simla include projects and programs on issues of women and child rights, health, environment, ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, young women’s leadership, gender justice, livelihoods and nation building.
Our History
The foundations of the YWCA of Simla were laid on 29th December, 1889 and it began its activities for the care and empowerment of women and girls in 1890. It is housed in Constantia, which is the 3rd oldest building in Shimla. Built in the year 1840, it is a very prominent and magnificent heritage architectural building situated in the heart of Shimla and is located above the historic Mall Road offering a unique vantage position. The property was bought by the YWCA from Delhi & London Bank in 1905-06 with the help of donations. It was sequestered by the government for housing the Indian Meteorological Department in 1906 and Constantia became its headquarters. It was restored to the YWCA in September 1907 by His Excellency, The Earl of Minto, as Governor-General in Council.
YWCA opened the first permanent Holiday Home for women in India at “The Yengherries”, at Shimla in May of 1900 to enable young women to have a period of rest before returning to their work with renewed health and vigour. “Constantia” was opened as the YWCA Home and a Boarding House for the young women on 22 October 1910 by the Viceroy of India, Earl Minto accompanied by Lady Minto. The tower at “Constantia” was dedicated to and named the “Victoria Tower” in honour of Queen Victoria, after whom the donor, Victoria, Lady Carbery was named. It was the first Working Women’s Hostel in the entire region and accommodated girls from every community: Europeans, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis, Anglo-Indians, and many other races and nationalities.
The Institute for Vocational Training and Hobby Classes had its foundation in the hands of H.E. Lady Chelmsford, then President of the YWCA of Simla in 1917. She inaugurated the advance programme to the courses already being imparted to train women, recruited for war work, to fill Government office posts. To meet growing demand two other large houses, Rothney Castle, and Nabha House were secured for boarding accommodation to trainees and working women in addition to “Constantia.” Delhi was also included in the field of operations till Independence. The Simla Association also assisted the Lady Chelmsford War Work Bureau.
Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, member of the first Union cabinet and leader of the YWCA movement guided the women and activities at Constantia, Simla to continue its work and mandate after independence.