The Canadian Federation of University Women ( CFUW ) was founded in 1919 as a Canadian counterpart to the International Federation of University Women ( IFUW ), whose purpose was to emphasize women's role in social reconstruction and the prevention of war.

We are voluntary, non-profit, self-funded, and bilingual.

We are comprised of 118 clubs across Canada with over 10,000 women members.

CFUW/FCFDU (Fédération canadienne des femmes diplômées des universités) members are active in public affairs, working to raise the educational, economic, social, and legal status and rights of women. CFUW compiles submissions, briefs and resolutions directed to government task forces and commissions on a wide range of issues.

Such advocacy is practiced within a wider perspective of concern for human rights, peace, and the natural environment.

A non-governmental organization (NGO), CFUW/FCFDU has a special consultative status at the United Nations through its affiliation with the International Federation of University Women.

CFUW Guelph was founded in 1945 and currently has about 200 members enjoying a wide range of interest groups .



Note:
Effective advocacy requires careful research and preparation. Clearly this cannot be achieved on a national and international scale without offices and a staff. The financial support of member clubs, through dues, maintains these administrative structures, slim as they are, thus assuring the independence and respect accorded to self-funded organizations.