Olympia proclaims Women’s Equality Day; YWCA leaders warn of urgent funding shortfall

The Olympia City Council on Aug. 25, 2025, proclaimed Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day, noting the centering of voting rights in the long fight for gender equality and the ongoing barriers faced by women who are marginalized by race, immigration status, disability or sexual orientation.

Ali (Ally) Ewing, co‑executive director of YWCA Olympia, accepted the proclamation and used her remarks to describe the organization’s work and an urgent funding shortfall that she said could imperil services and youth programs. "We may not be here to receive this next year," she told the council, adding that the YWCA’s local programs have expanded rapidly but face reduced funding.

Why it matters: The YWCA provides domestic‑violence services, youth civic education and programs targeted to women and gender‑expansive people. Council members responded by thanking the organization and promising to discuss how the city and individual councilmembers might support the group. Mayor Pro Tem Nguyen said she would talk with colleagues about what council support could look like; Council Member Cooper suggested engaging the YWCA to identify specific community needs and volunteer or donation opportunities.

Details and context: The council reading invoked the 19th Amendment, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and contemporary policy concerns, including efforts to restore and expand access to voting in Washington state. Ewing noted the YWCA of Olympia marked its 80th anniversary in 1945 and said youth in its programs were eager to learn about civic engagement. She listed policy priorities heard from women in national surveys — addressing gender‑based violence, paid family leave and economic opportunity — and urged attendees to support the YWCA’s advocacy and fundraising efforts.

What council said: Council members praised the organization and offered to explore concrete supports. "Thank you for recognizing that the 19th Amendment was so wonderful, and it was not all women," Mayor Pro Tem Nguyen said, noting the need to acknowledge the history of exclusion faced by women of color. Council Member Madrone and others highlighted youth engagement efforts and encouraged local partnerships.

Ending: The council presented the signed proclamation and invited Ewing and others for a photo. The council did not take a formal funding action during the meeting; YWCA leaders said they are seeking additional support from the community and from partners to sustain programs into the coming year.