YWCA rebrands in UK; Indian unit will retain name

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in the UK has rebranded itself as Platform 51. In India, however, the name would remain intact.

The organisation, which is one of Britain's oldest charities, became Platform 51 "as YWCA no longer stood for who we are or what we do".

"Our new name more accurately represents us: 51% of people are female, and girls and women use us as a platform for having their say and for helping them into the next stage of their lives," the charity wrote on its website.

"Over the years we've evolved to reflect changes in society and the needs and expectations of women. Our original name no longer stood for who we are or what we do. So after 155 years, we decided to change it. "

The decision to drop the word "Christian" from its name has reportedly drawn criticism from religious groups.

Meanwhile, the Indian counterpart of the charity said they have no plans to rebrand its name.

"Our name in India remains intact. Not just India, the world YWCA has not changed its name. It is only the UK group that has been renamed," said Gulobi Fernandes, president of Mumbai YWCA, according to the Daily News & Analysis.

Commenting on the same, Rema Daniel, president of the national board of YWCA India said, "In England, they feel that if you have the word 'Christian' in the name, you are like any other charity group."

The first YWCA in India was formed in the year 1875. The charity was founded by two Englishwomen, inspired by Christian principles and a commitment to women's full and equal participation in society.