Our History

MANDATE and BRIEF HISTORY

The National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) is a long-standing organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, families, and communities across Canada. Founded in 1893 by Lady Ishbel Aberdeen, the NCWC has been at the forefront of advocacy for women's rights and social issues for over a century.

The NCWC's mission focuses on several key areas, including health, education, senior care, arts and culture, the environment, economics, fundamental human rights and the status of women. Through active engagement and a democratic process of developing resolutions and adopting policies, the organization strives to create better opportunities and enhance awareness through action and community involvement.

The Council's structure is comprehensive, encompassing national, provincial, and local councils of women, as well as independent organizations and individual members. This extensive network allows the NCWC to address a wide range of issues and advocate for policies, laws, and services that benefit women and society as a whole. The organization employs various methods to pursue its goals, including formulating resolutions, organizing petitions, conducting surveys, and initiating letter-writing campaigns, and direct meetings with government officials and when appropriate corporations and unions .

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.