Abbreviation CFUW Legal status active | Formation 1919 | |
Type Women's educational organizations in Canada Purpose advocate and public voice, educator and network Headquarters Ottawa, Ontario, Canada | ||
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) (French: Fédération canadienne des femmes diplômées des universités [FCFDU]) is a non-partisan, voluntary, self-funded organization with over 100 CFUW Clubs, located in every province across Canada. Since its founding in 1919, CFUW has been working to improve the status of women and to promote human rights, public education, social justice, and peace. Every year, CFUW and its Clubs award close to $1 million to women to help them pursue post-secondary studies. CFUW also provides funding for library and creative arts awards. CFUW Clubs provide life-long learning opportunities and fellowship to its members. There are over 100 lecture series, 200 book clubs and 75 issues groups offered by CFUW Clubs. CFUW Clubs are involved in community outreach on such initiatives as working to prevent violence against women, child poverty, early learning and child care.
CFUW holds special consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC) and belongs to the Education Committee of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. CFUW regularly sends a delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. CFUW is the largest affiliate of Graduate Women International which represents women worldwide
As of August 2012, the CFUW is the largest of 61 affiliates in the International Federation of University Women, and has special consultative status at the United Nations, as well as representation on the Sectoral Committee on Education for the Canadian Sub-Committee for UNESCO.
Among other activities, it supports the CFUW/FCFDU Charitable Trust, which awards fellowships for post-graduate education and funds the Creative Music Award.