Canadian Federation of University Women
About Canadian Federation of University Women
For over 105 years, the Canadian Federation of University Women has served as a beacon of equality and empowerment in Ottawa, ON and across Canada. Founded in 1919 by visionary leaders including Alice Cooper, Margaret Stovel McWilliams, and May Skinner, CFUW emerged from a remarkable moment when women were breaking barriers in education, medicine, law, journalism, nursing, and social work. Today, this legacy continues through a community of 6,700 dedicated women organized into 90 clubs spanning every Canadian province.
CFUW's mission reflects a deep commitment to achieving educational and economic equality and social justice through continuous learning and empowerment. The organization operates on principles of fellowship, lifelong learning, and collective action, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds united by shared values. Rather than focusing exclusively on university-educated women, CFUW intentionally evolved its identity to be more inclusive, welcoming all women regardless of educational background who share the vision of equality and human rights.
Based in Ottawa, CFUW works actively in communities nationwide to eliminate poverty and discrimination while creating equal opportunities for leadership, employment, and career advancement. The organization's vision encompasses a world where all girls and women are educated and empowered to make transformative change. Through advocacy, scholarship programs, and local club initiatives, CFUW members demonstrate that collective action grounded in education and social justice creates meaningful progress toward a more equitable society for women and girls.