Waterford Kamhlaba has a long history of empowering young women in its student body, as well as in the community. From being founded as an all boys school to reversing that decision in light of the discrimination against women it perpetuated, Waterford has been a champion of the cause. Here are some examples:

• The first African female principal in the UWC movement is at WK
• A majority of the leadership positions in the school are held by women
• The student body at WK is at gender parity, with many applications received from female students
• The SRC leadership is comprised of 60% women
• UWC Africa Week has had a Women in Leadership panel, which is one of the most popular events on the annual WK calendar

YWEC’s aim is to catalyse the work of similar programs at WK, to deepen their impact and widen their reach. This is an initiative under Strategic Objective 1 of the 2023 - 2027 WK UWCSA Strategic Plan, impact projects that go beyond community service.