Education & Lifelong Learning
CFUW is involved in many different initiatives in the support of education. CFUW offers various study groups to its members and undertakes research projects. Clubs are also involved in school projects such as reading programs and give scholarships to graduating students entering post-secondary institutions.
CFUW Clubs offer many opportunities for lifelong learning - there are approximately 100 lecture series, 200 book clubs and 75 issues groups for those women who seek intellectually challenging activities and intelligent discourse.
Early Learning and Child Care
Childcare has long been an issue of concern for CFUW. Since 1972 we have been advocating for further investment, structure and support for a national child care system. CFUW strongly believes that education is a public responsibility and a social investment that must start in the earliest years of children’s lives.
During the last election Early Learning and Childcare was on the agenda of all the major parties. Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal Party promised to develop a National Early Learning and Child Care Framework to deliver affordable, high-quality and flexible child care for Canadians. Now, post-election, is the time to make sure that accessible and affordable early learning and childcare is available for our youngest Canadians!
CFUW launched the campaign Grandparents for Childcare to advocate for publicly funded child care that is high quality, accessible, affordable, flexible and inclusive across Canada. CFUW supports Universal Child Care as an essential public policy to fulfill children’s rights and gender equality as well as to generate economic growth that is beneficial to all Canadians.
CFUW works closely with other organizations including Child Care Now to advocate for the child care sector. CFUW and our partners urge the Canadian Government to implement a sound policy framework, substantial financial commitments to licensed child care, and strong leadership on the issue.
Take Action to Address Early Learning and Child Care
- Sign onto Child Care Now’s Petition to support Early Learning and Child Care
- Learn more about CFUW’s Grandparents for Childcare campaign
- Become a CFUW member to advocate in your community, contact politicians and have your voice heard.
Indigenous Peoples
CFUW recognizes past and ongoing forms of colonialism experienced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. We aim, through research, learning projects, calls to action, events and partnerships, to support Indigenous Peoples’ rights. CFUW’s has a designated scholarship that aims to support Indigenous women undertaking graduate studies. CFUW is committed to learning more about the issues facing Indigenous Peoples and how we can offer support.
What does Reconciliation mean for CFUW?
For CFUW, reconciliation means learning about the historical discrimination and dispossession faced by Indigenous Peoples. Our organization is committed to building relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities. CFUW is listening to the recommendations of Indigenous community members and activists on how we can show support and solidarity in fostering relationships and respect between non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples.
Gender Based-Violence and MMIWG
CFUW is engaged in advocacy on ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. CFUW is concerned with the federal government’s slow response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) final report and 231 calls for action. It is imperative that the federal government works with Indigenous organizations and communities to discuss concrete actions that must be taken to address the calls to action. This includes addressing Indigenous women and girls’ immediate needs for housing, income, water and waste water and food security.
Access to Clean Drinking Water
CFUW recognizes the lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation in Indigenous Communities across Canada as a human rights violation. CFUW President Grace Hollett, wrote to the former Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott, on funding for water and waste water management infrastructure as well as in support of Indigenous-led initiatives. Click here to read the letter. CFUW clubs and members are actively involved in letter writing campaigns directed at their local representatives, as well as other actions within their communities and in partnership with local groups.