City’ first hostel for working women celebrates landmark 125th anniversary

MUMBAI: The year was 1900. It was before the first women's university in India (SNDT) was founded in 1916. Before Indian women won legal equality, or the right to franchise, abortion and inheritance. Amid that milieu, the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) built the first hostel for working women in Mumbai, providing safe accommodation at a reasonable cost.
This historic Lady Willingdon Hostel in Fort celebrated its 125th anniversary on Thursday April 24. Its foundation stone had been laid in 1900 by Lady Sandhurst, wife of the then Governor of Bombay. The beautiful four-storey edifice along Madame Cama Road, near St Anne's School, still stands like a beacon of support. Chairperson Anuradha Patil said, "The hostel is celebrating its 125th anniversary, as part of the ongoing 150-year anniversary of YWCA Bombay. We have 65 residents aged 18-59 years. Of these, 70% are working women. Nowadays we admit 30% girls who are interns or doing their Masters degree. There is a waiting list of 60-70 applicants."

She added, "Since it is an old building, our rooms are large with high ceilings. Some rooms are for single occupancy, others are shared by two to four women. We also have a mess, meeting room, lounge and YWCA office."
"Apart from being a home away from home, Willingdon Hostel also catered to the social, educational and spiritual well being of women by organising recreation programmes like its famous Carnival during the 1960s and 70s. The Commercial School provided some of the best secretaries, employed by prestigious corporate companies. Over the years our focus has shifted to conducting programmes for marginalised members of society. Presently we have balwadis functioning here too."
In 2007-08, conservation architect Vikas Dilawari carried out restoration work on this Grade III heritage structure built in Neo-classical style. "It is architecturally notable owing to its ornate limestone and teakwood features like timber louvered chhajjas, which are typical of that period. The balconies have splendid cast iron railing with ‘YWC' inscribed on it. The highlight is the balustrade porch resting on six limestone columns with composite capitals," he said. The old block, as per the marble plaque at the entrance, dates back to Jan 8, 1900.
Dilawari conducted internal and external repairs and refurbished its interiors with new electrification, respecting the heritage character has to be respected which earlier repairs had not done. His effort won Willingdon Hostel a UNESCO Asia Pacific Award (Honorable Mention) for Conservation. Thereafter preventive repair was undertaken in 2018-19.
Kamal Jadhav, a member of St Thomas Cathedral, said, "LW Hostel in its 125 years, has remained relevant to the rapidly changing landscape of this megapolis. Besides catering to the holistic development of its residents, today, the needs of marginalised members of society too, are being looked after. May this wonderful Institution move from strength to strength."
Pavana Anchees, president of Bombay YWCA, said, "The building follows a Neo classic tradition with renaissance revival elements. The heritage hall is a sought after space for conferences; even being one of the venues for the Kala Ghoda festival."