Fonds AR175 - Canadian Federation of University Women Victoria fonds

On 28 July 1908, the University Women's Club of Victoria (UWCV) was founded in Victoria, British Columbia by women who were university graduates and devoted to concerns of their time such as adequate education and representation in decisions which would influence women's lives. The focus of the founding club members was the construction of a constitution, and by 7 November of that same year, five executive officer positions and an executive committee were formed and filled by eight members. In the first two decades of their formation as a women's organisation, and with the co-operation of other women's groups, members of the club participated in public affairs, particularly in the women's suffrage movement and the changing of laws to improve the situation of women in British Columbia. On the latter topic, Evlyn F. K. Farris, co-founder of the University Women's Club of Vancouver and UWCV President from 1920 to 1921 wrote, “...the club did not lose interest in [this sort of] work until B.C. laws for women were the best in Canada.”

In 1919, the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) was formed, and the University Women's Club of Victoria, along with other similar women's groups across the country, joined up their members. With a commitment to national affairs through its affiliation with CFUW, part of the University Women's Club of Victoria membership fees is given to the CFUW. Additionally, the members of UWCV are able to run for CFUW executive positions, and participate in and sponsor (B.C.) regional and national conferences. The year 1919 also witnessed the UWCV's first donation to the scholarship fund of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW). Activity in the IFUW allows members of the UWCV an opportunity to participate in issues of interest to women on an international level.

The Scholarship and Bursary Society of the University Women's Club of Victoria was created in 1977. With its own executive and constitution and bylaws, the Scholarship and Bursary Society automatically admits UWCV members in good standing into its membership. The purpose of the Society is to fundraise through planned special events and club members, and private donors to provide scholarships and bursaries to female students who attend accredited post-secondary educational institutions in Victoria.

The University Women's Club of Victoria has continued despite two world wars, and its initial foci on the rights of and education of women has persisted. In 1994, membership in the UWCV stands at approximately four hundred, and members represent nearly 75 accredited universities and colleges worldwide.

In 2008 the association changed its name to CFUW Victoria.