How CFUW is Fighting for Gender Justice Nationwide

If you’ve never heard of CFUW, you’re not alone—outside academic and advocacy circles, the Canadian Federation of University Women doesn’t always get mainstream attention. But behind the scenes, they’ve been pushing for gender justice across Canada for over a century. What started as a network of educated women supporting each other has evolved into one of the country’s most persistent voices on equality, human rights, and social reform. And right now, with pay gaps, childcare access, and gender-based violence still front and center, CFUW’s work matters more than ever.

Who Exactly Is CFUW?

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) was founded in 1919 and now has more than 8,000 members across local clubs nationwide. It’s a non-partisan, voluntary organization made up of women who use education and advocacy as their core tools. While the name highlights “university women,” membership has long been open to any woman who supports the mission.

They’re also connected internationally through Graduate Women International, which allows them to influence gender policy on a global stage. Think grassroots meets policy advocacy.

Tackling the Gender Pay Gap

CFUW has been vocal about Canada’s persistent pay inequity. According to Statistics Canada, women working full-time still earn about 89 cents for every dollar earned by men. CFUW pushes governments to strengthen pay transparency laws, enforce equal pay standards, and address systemic barriers that keep women out of higher-paying fields.

They also push for stronger economic security measures for marginalized groups—because the gap is far worse for Indigenous, racialized, and immigrant women.

Fighting Gender-Based Violence

Violence against women remains a crisis. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) labeled the issue a “genocide,” and CFUW has consistently demanded governments implement the Calls for Justice.

On a broader scale, they’ve been lobbying for stronger funding of shelters, improved police training, and better legal support for survivors. CFUW’s stance is that gender justice can’t exist while nearly half of Canadian women report some form of intimate partner violence or sexual assault.

Childcare and Work-Life Balance

Affordable, accessible childcare isn’t just a family issue—it’s an economic one. CFUW strongly supported Canada’s move toward $10-a-day childcare, but they’ve kept pressure on provinces to actually deliver. Many families are still stuck on waitlists or in regions without enough licensed spaces.

CFUW frames childcare as a gender justice issue because lack of childcare disproportionately pushes women out of the workforce or into part-time, lower-paid roles.

Education and Scholarships

One of CFUW’s oldest traditions is funding scholarships. Since its founding, the organization has handed out millions in fellowships and awards to women pursuing higher education in Canada and abroad. These scholarships often focus on fields where women remain underrepresented, like STEM.

It’s not just about financial aid—it’s about signaling that women belong in every academic and professional arena.

Political Advocacy and Policy Influence

CFUW has a long track record of policy advocacy. Each year, members draft resolutions on issues like reproductive rights, climate change, gun control, and affordable housing—all through a gendered lens. These resolutions shape the organization’s lobbying priorities with provincial and federal governments.

They’re also active in monitoring Canada’s progress on international commitments, such as the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Intersectional Approach

While CFUW’s early days focused mainly on middle-class, university-educated women, today they emphasize intersectionality. That means recognizing how race, class, disability, and geography intersect with gender. For example, their advocacy for Indigenous women and newcomers ties gender justice to reconciliation and immigration reform.

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