My name is Monica Cullum. I'm vice-president of justice for the National Council of Women. I am joined here by my colleague, Rashmi Bhat. We will share the presentation.
The National Council of Women of Canada was founded in 1893 and is one of the oldest women's organizations in Canada. Fifteen hundred women came together in Toronto to establish an organization with a mandate to improve the quality of life of Canadians through education and advocacy. The organization now comprises 17 local councils, six provincial councils, and 21 nationally organized societies representing women. All levels of the council bring together women’s organizations in an umbrella structure, along with individual members. The National Council of Women is a self-funded organization.
Historically, members have been encouraged to participate and take leadership in social action initiatives in their communities and in national debates on issues of concern. Part of that proud heritage is demonstrated by the work of Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, and Henrietta Muir Edwards, all members of the National Council of Women, now identified with Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby as “the famous five”.
The National Council of Women is affiliated with the International Council of Women and holds consultative status with ECOSOC, enabling NCWC to bring a Canadian perspective to the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. NCWC also participates as an observer, non-governmental organization with the permanent council of the Organization of American States. All levels of the organization are closely connected with issues and have a firm grasp of international issues and Canadian perspectives.
All policy for NCWC is generated through a resolution originating with either local councils or NCWC committees. These are adopted through a democratic process at the annual general meeting held each year in late May; thus representatives speak from the united voice of the federated membership.
In its 117-year history, NCWC has spoken out on many issues concerning Canadians. Some examples in the wide-ranging policy of the organization are: the support for hiring of women into the RCMP; building safety standards as they concern handicapped people; official recognition of the homemaker in Canada; the rights of status Indian women; elimination of the firearms registry; safeguarding of Canada’s Arctic sovereignty; land mines; the environment and nuclear energy/waste disposal; and trafficking and child prostitution.
I'll now turn the mike over to my colleague, Rashmi Bhat.