Women | Canadian Federation of University Women

What a joy to be together again in person this year! Zoom did help to keep us together during the interim, but there is nothing like an in-person smile, shake of the hand or hug!

Given the circumstances in the past couple of years, we have done well. Thanks to our virtual meetings we have been able to keep in touch with our terrific executive. Many thanks to our Past-President Maureen Shantz for her dedicated leadership during these difficult times as well as our Committee Chairs and their fantastic members. I can’t help but marvel at the work they have done this past year. Not an easy task given they worked mostly virtually.

The Communication, Program, Advocacy committees and our House and Garden Tour Group are a marvel! At the last meeting in May, we were updated on all the achievements of these groups. If you missed it, please refer to our website. There is so much information to refer to or find out about there. Be sure to check it often. The Brochure has all the presenters for our meetings outlined. It is so inviting you’ll want to check it often. An organization chart has also been added for your convenience.

National is still trying to decide on our new name. Some names considered are: Canadian Federation of United Women; Canadian Federation of Universal Women and a few others. These and others were trying to save the CFUW initials. Other names are also considered which do not have the same letters. If you have a suggestion, I’m happy to forward it to National for consideration.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your president this year. As you know, last year was not one of my better years, but I pledge to do my best. I will need your support. If I ask, please say “Yes”. I promise nothing I ask of you will be too onerous and I know you will enjoy the position. We still have a few positions to fill, one is a Fundraising Chair. The other, someone who will send emails to our members. Training and help will be provided. No job is demanding if we all chip in!

At our first meeting in September, you will be able to sign up for the many interest groups. Also, if there is someone who would like to start an interest group, speak with Susan Middleton who is our Interest Group Coordinator. Please take the time to check our website.

To save paper and cost, note that messages will appear on the website to keep us up to date on everything CFUW. That way each of us will be aware of what’s new and information important to all of us. Our newsletter is full of interesting information. Be sure to read it. It is a wealth of information!

Please get in touch with me with any suggestions for our club. I’ll be happy to hear from you.

Remember: People who help others become fuller versions of themselves.

Submitted by Anne Marie Stockwell, President

I had the privilege of co-hosting with CFUW West Vancouver, a Peer-to-Peer conversation with GWI members and CFUW GWI opt-in clubs on January 21. More than 80 members from around the world including Nepal, India, Kenya, the United States and Canada shared their thoughts and concerns about the impact of Covid on the education of girls and women and the potential solutions. Some of the issues identified included:

– The increase in pregnancy among young women

– The impact of decreased socialization on mental health

– The lack of internet and need to use radios for education

– The lack of computer supplies for education

– The pressures on women to provide support for education of children and to continue to work

– The pressures of decreased income on families

– The lack of incentive to continue in school

– The lack of qualified teachers, the lack of training to do online teaching, limited salary in many countries

Kenya identified that many of their schools lack proper washrooms for girls which impacts them severely during their menstrual cycle.

These important discussions broadened my knowledge of the issues concerning young women outside of Canada. It’s important that we understand the broader world. GWI enables us to do this. • 740 million have been forced out of school

11 million girls won’t return to school
Global GDP will be impacted by $10 billion over the next 10 years

To read more: UNESCO – Keeping Girls in the Picture. The information gathered from the conversations is being shared by GWI on January 24 during the United Nations International Day of Education. We are proud to have been part of the discussion and have offered some potential solutions that we hope will be moved forward to improve the education of girls and women throughout the world.