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UWCV Advocacy: Championing Women, Girls, and Equity 

At The University Women’s Club of Vancouver (UWCV), advocacy is at the heart of our mission. Through research, public education, and community partnerships, we work to advance women’s rights, education, and social justice in BC, and around the world. 

 

Women’s Rights and Human Rights Advocacy

The UWCV advocates locally and nationally on issues that affect women and girls, including education, economic equity, access to justice, and protection from violence. As a member of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) and Graduate Women International (GWI), we amplify our impact through national and global networks of women leaders and educators. 

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National and International Advocacy

In our club, we: 

  • Regularly study issues affecting women’s rights and equality, the status of women, human rights, education, and the environment. 
  • Host public forums and collaborate with community groups on urgent social issues such as prostitution and human trafficking, homelessness in Vancouver, child poverty, and election‑related civic education. 
  • Develop ongoing speaker series on women’s rights, education, health, and community issues. 

Through the Federation Committee, UWCV helps shape national and international advocacy on: 

  • Education for girls and women. 
  • Economic and social equity. 
  • Access to justice. 
  • Human rights protections in all areas of life. 

The Federation Committee studies Resolutions approved at the CFUW Annual General Meeting and adapts them into local action. We also respond to issues that directly affect women and girls in our community and province. 

Recent and Ongoing Advocacy Initiatives

Child Poverty 

Working with 23 CFUW‑BC clubs, UWCV has advocated for policy changes to reduce child poverty, including greater investments in affordable housing and accessible childcare. 


Youth Aging Out of Care 

In partnership with First Call BC: Child and Youth Advocacy Society and the Vancouver Foundation, we highlighted the inequities faced by youth who “age out” of care and lose support just as they pursue education. This advocacy contributed to changes in BC legislation that extend support for students beyond the previous age limit, giving them greater opportunity to complete their education and reach their life goals.


Current Resolutions Under Study 

  • Strengthening employment equity. 
  • Tightening bail laws to protect victims of intimate partner violence. 
  • Addressing violence against women in politics. 
  • Recognizing a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right. 
These issues will inform our next phase of research, public education, and advocacy at the local and provincial level. 

UWCV Advocacy Events 

Each year, UWCV hosts public events to mark key dates in the struggle for women’s rights and equality: 

  • March 8 – International Women’s Day 

  • October 18 – Persons Day 

  • December 6 – National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 

Upcoming events appear on our Events calendar; check it regularly to stay informed and participate. 

Community Outreach Speaker Series 

An active Community Outreach Interest Group of UWCV members deepens awareness of local challenges and supports community‑based projects. Activities include: 

  • Hosting speakers on topics such as outreach for youth with autism, transitions out of foster care, and access to sports and recreation for all children. 

  • Supporting two schools through the Vancouver Sun “Adopt a School” program, using funds raised from club and community events to provide bus passes for students facing transportation barriers. 

  • Partnering with Soup Sisters for volunteer opportunities that bring comfort to women, children, and youth through making and donating soup. 

Past speakers have included: 

  • A choir director working with children and teens with autism. 

  • The Director of YWCA STRIVE, which supports youth transitioning out of foster care on the North Shore. 

Upcoming speakers include: 

  • Sandy Hancock, Executive Director of Athletics for Kids, works to ensure all BC children can participate in organized sport regardless of socioeconomic status. 

  • Sarah Stewart, Executive Director of Aunt Leah’s Place, supporting children in foster care and mothers at risk of losing custody. 

Additional projects are launched based on members’ interests and community needs. 

International Advocacy 

Graduate Women International (GWI) maintains an ongoing relationship with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). With the support of Geneva UN Representative Nina Joyce, GWI submitted its “Education for All” manifesto for consideration in the OHCHR study. You can view the manifesto here. 

GWI also advances access to quality education for young women through projects such as the “Teachers for Rural Teachers” initiative in Uganda, which builds capacity among local educators to support girls’ schooling.  

CFUW Submission on Violence Against Women

UWCV’s Status of Women and Human Rights Committee (SWHR) is currently studying violence against young women and girls in Canada. The committee invited written briefs from the public, civil society, and allied organizations on selected priority issues. 

As an organization dedicated to improving the status of women and girls, CFUW responded with a detailed brief focusing on violence faced by women on university and college campuses. You can read the full submission here. 

Learn more about the Status of Women Committee’s Study on Violence against Young Women and Girls in Canada here to see how this work informs our advocacy and public education efforts.

UWCV Affiliations

UWCV is proud to affiliate with organizations advancing equity and justice, including: 

  • First Call: BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition 

  • West Coast LEAF 

  • The Vancouver Council of Women 

  • The Vancouver Collective Against Sexual Exploitation 

These partnerships help amplify our collective voice and deepen our impact on local and provincial policy.