Notre Histoire

MANDAT ET BRÈVE HISTOIRE

Le Conseil National des Femmes du Canada (CNFC) est une organisation de longue date dédiée à l'amélioration de la vie des femmes, des familles et des communautés à travers le Canada. Fondé en 1893 par Lady Ishbel Aberdeen, le CNFC est à l'avant-garde de la défense des droits des femmes et des enjeux sociaux depuis plus d'un siècle.

About Lady Ishbel Aberdeen

Lady Aberdeen was a pioneering social reformer and the driving force behind the founding of the NCWC. She used her influence and dedication to unite women from across Canada to work collaboratively on issues affecting society, particularly the rights and welfare of women and children. Despite facing societal resistance and the challenges of her time, Lady Aberdeen championed the cause of women’s leadership and empowerment.

Lady Aberdeen’s Key Accomplishments

• Founded the National Council of Women of Canada in 1893, establishing a national platform for women’s advocacy.
• Played a critical role in the establishment of the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), advancing professional nursing and health care access in Canada.
• Supported the development of the Children’s Aid Society, enhancing child welfare and protection initiatives.
• Advocated for improvements in women’s health, education, and social services.
• Influenced legislation and policy changes that advanced women’s rights and social justice.
• Promoted collaboration among women’s organizations to amplify their collective voice.

Connections to VON and Children’s Aid Society

Lady Aberdeen’s leadership extended beyond the NCWC. Through her commitment:

• She helped launch the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON), providing essential community nursing services, especially to women and children in rural and underserved areas.
• She was instrumental in supporting the growth of the Children’s Aid Society, fostering protection and care for vulnerable children across Canada.

La mission du CNFC se concentre sur plusieurs domaines clés, notamment la santé, l'éducation, les soins aux aînés, les arts et la culture, l'environnement, l'économie, les droits humains fondamentaux et le statut des femmes. Grâce à un engagement actif et à un processus démocratique de développement de résolutions et d'adoption de politiques, l'organisation s'efforce de créer de meilleures opportunités et de sensibiliser par l'action et l'implication communautaire.

La structure du Conseil est complète, englobant des conseils nationaux, provinciaux et locaux de femmes, ainsi que des organisations indépendantes et des membres individuels. Ce vaste réseau permet au CNFC de traiter un large éventail de questions et de plaider en faveur de politiques, de lois et de services qui profitent aux femmes et à la société dans son ensemble. L'organisation utilise diverses méthodes pour atteindre ses objectifs, notamment la formulation de résolutions, l'organisation de pétitions, la réalisation d'enquêtes, l'initiation de campagnes de lettres et des rencontres directes avec des responsables gouvernementaux, et, lorsque cela est approprié, avec des entreprises et des syndicats.

Throughout its history, the NCWC has been instrumental in promoting significant social and health care reforms. It has played a crucial role in establishing important institutions such as the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Children's Aid Society, and the Consumers' Association of Canada. The Council continues to adapt to contemporary challenges, addressing issues like climate change, support for Indigenous communities, and the protection of rights in the digital world.

You can learn more about the detailed history of the National Council of Women of Canada on The Canadian Encyclopedia.