A Brief History of CFUW: Over 100 Years of Impact

In 1919, just after the First World War, a group of determined women in Canada came together with a shared belief: education could be a powerful force for equality. That moment marked the birth of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW)—an organization that has since grown into one of the country’s most enduring voices for women’s rights, education, and community service. Over a century later, CFUW continues to evolve, staying relevant in a world its founders could hardly have imagined.

The Early Years: Building a National Network

When CFUW was founded, women had only recently gained the right to vote federally in Canada. Higher education opportunities were scarce, and female graduates often found themselves isolated in male-dominated institutions. The federation created not only a network of support but also a collective voice advocating for broader access to education.

In its earliest years, CFUW also linked arms with the International Federation of University Women (now Graduate Women International), establishing a global connection that amplified Canadian women’s influence abroad.

Mid-Century Advocacy and Growth

By the 1940s and 1950s, CFUW clubs had sprung up across the country, engaging in everything from scholarship fundraising to community literacy projects. Post-war Canada was changing fast, and CFUW positioned itself at the heart of conversations about women in the workforce, childcare, and equal opportunity.

During the 1960s and 70s, as the second wave of feminism gained traction, CFUW members pushed harder for systemic change—fighting for pay equity, reproductive rights, and expanded educational opportunities. Their advocacy often fed directly into national debates and policy recommendations, giving women’s voices a stronger presence in Ottawa.

Scholarships and Fellowships: Investing in the Future

One of CFUW’s most lasting contributions has been financial support for women’s education. Since its inception, the organization has raised and awarded millions of dollars in scholarships and fellowships. Today, CFUW provides over $1 million annually to support graduate study, research, and community-based projects led by women.

These awards don’t just help individuals—they ripple outward, shaping entire communities by enabling women to enter professions and fields where they might otherwise have been excluded.

International Impact

CFUW’s work hasn’t stopped at Canada’s borders. Through its consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), CFUW members have participated in global conversations on education, gender equality, and human rights. For many members, attending UN sessions in New York or Geneva has been a chance to bring Canadian perspectives into international policymaking.

A Century of Adaptation

Reaching its 100th anniversary in 2019 was no small feat. The federation celebrated not just longevity but adaptability. From fighting for women’s right to higher education to tackling contemporary issues like gender-based violence, climate change, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, CFUW has consistently adjusted its priorities to meet the challenges of the time.

Today, with around 7,000 members in 95 clubs across Canada, CFUW continues to balance tradition—like book clubs and community service—with forward-looking advocacy in areas such as intersectional feminism, affordable childcare, and accessible education.

Why CFUW’s History Still Matters

The story of CFUW isn’t just organizational—it’s generational. It reflects the persistence of Canadian women who refused to let barriers define them. Each era has seen members redefine what progress looks like, proving that advocacy is most powerful when it’s continuous, collective, and deeply rooted in community.

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