Welcome to CFUW Vernon!
Our next meeting is on November 18, 2024. Check our Events / Activities page for speaker information.
We Remember Them
On November 11th, we remember and honour the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who have fallen in the wars in which our country participated. Included in their number are unrecognized hundreds of women who served in the auxiliary arms of the Canadian Armed Forces. According to https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/women-in-the-forces.html, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) was one of the first military forces to allow women to serve in all occupations.
During WWI, this service was restricted to the field of nursing. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/those-who-served/women-veterans/military states that more than 2800 nurses served, often close to the front lines of battle and within range of attack. Women’s service in the military during the Second World War further challenged the tradition of all-male armed forces with women’s divisions being created in the Air Force (RCAF-WD, Army (CWAC) and Navy (WRCNS). As an example, between 1942 and 1946 close to 7000 volunteers enlisted in the WRCNS and served in 26 non-combatant occupations in Canadian naval bases at home or abroad. The WRCNS made an outstanding contribution to Allied victory, paved the way for future generations of Canadian service women and raised questions about the equality of women in the civilian world. The Vernon Morning Star includes the names and photographs of several local women who gave their lives to keep our country safe.
Thus, for all who served and from whose sacrifices we benefit, we remember them.
The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Vernon is the local chapter of CFUW, a federal organization that welcomes ALL women who support its purposes, mission, and values. Since its founding in 1919, CFUW has been working to improve the status of women and to promote human rights, public education, social justice, and peace. CFUW is a non-partisan, voluntary, self-funded organization with over 90 Clubs, of which Vernon is one, located in every province across Canada. 2019 was CFUW’s 100th Anniversary!
At the local level, we work to support and advocate for women’s rights. We encourage life-long learning for ourselves and for others and we aim to have fun in the process. Non-members are welcome to join us at an event or two while considering membership. Check out our events and activities page.
Our Purpose:
1. Promote high standards of public education in Canada, advanced study and research by women, and a sound concept of lifelong learning.
2. Advocate for the advancement of the status of women, human rights and the common good locally, nationally, and internationally.
3. Promote cooperation, networking, support and understanding among women.
4. Encourage women to apply their knowledge and skills in decision-making in all areas of life.
