Message from the President



I am honoured to serve as the President of such a wonderful organization as CFUW-Ottawa.

CFUW-Ottawa formerly the University Women’s Club of Ottawa has a rich history dating back to 1910, with Helen McLean the first President.  Other cities too, had university women clubs like Toronto, Regina, Edmonton, Victoria, Winnipeg and Montreal.  Early in 1919, it was felt that a national federation would enable women to have a stronger voice and so in August that year the Canadian Federation of University Women was formed. Each individual club would maintain its own identity, with its own governance, but come together as clubs to advocate women’s issues with a louder voice across the country.  I was pleased to attend the 100th University celebrations in Winnipeg, August 2019.

The Canadian Federation of University Women was also involved in the forming of the International Federation of University Women in 1919 and therefore a founding member along with Great Britain and the United States.  In 2015, IFUW changed its name to Graduate Women International (GWI).

The early days of CFUW had a focus of education in all phases, but that soon broadened to what we see today as an organization which strives to promote equality, social justice, fellowship and lifelong learning for women and girls.

CFUW-Ottawa has something to offer everyone, with over 40 interest groups. We raise money to provide 31 scholarships for young women to pursue studies at Algonquin College, University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

If you are looking for fun, meeting new people, making lasting friendships, learning a new skill, or improving the ones you have…CFUW-Ottawa is the place for you. CFUW-Ottawa provides venues for lifelong learning, as well as the rewarding feeling of helping others both here and abroad.

I encourage you to peruse our website and feel free to contact us if you have questions.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Elizabeth (Lizz) Wilfert

President, CFUW-Ottawa









 

                           

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