YWCA Votes to Let Men Lead Operations

The YWCA voted on Saturday to allow men to serve as leaders of its nearly 300 local affiliates and in national positions, reversing a policy in effect at the women’s organization for 148 years, reports USA Today.

Men had previously been allowed to serve as volunteers or staff members but could not serve as voting board members or branch directors.

“It still is a female-driven organization and will remain that way,” said Peggy Sanchez-Mills, chief executive officer of the YWCA, in Washington. “What it does do is welcome men onto those governance structures to support the women’s agenda.”