Our History
The International Council of Women was founded in Washington in 1888, by delegates from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, France, Norway, Denmark and India. In 1893, Lady Aberdeen, International President and wife of Canada’s Governor General, was instrumental in establishing the National Council of Women of Canada.
Western Canada has traditionally produced women, committed to their communities, who take leadership roles to improve the quality of life for families. In 1894, ten Winnipeg Women’s groups formed one of the first Local Councils of Women in Canada and the Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba was founded in 1949.
Over the years, Provincial Council of Women of Manitoba has advocated, through a grass roots resolution process:
- Women serving on juries
- Changes to the Dower Act
- Establishment of the Elizabeth Fry Society
- Establishment of regional libraries
- Training for women in non traditional trades
- Supporting sustainable development principles
- Accessible and affordable public child care
- Resources for recording and persevering women’s history
Our Present
We are issue-oriented. Some current issues of concern are:
- Minimum wage
- Child care
- Mental health
- Gender-based analysis
- Urban planning
- Sustainable development
- Urban/rural issues
- Poverty
We Take Action!
- In 2004-2005, we spoke out about the decision and the process to amend Plan Winnipeg and begin a huge development in South West Winnipeg – Waverley West. We made presentations, did research, worked with others to urge governments to begin a comprehensive Plan Winnipeg review.
- In 2007 & 2012 we presented our Brief to the provincial NDP Caucus and Opposition Par-ties.
- In May, 2009, we co hosted the launch of the documentary, The Way We See It, in support of individuals who live with mental illness, and their families.
- In 2011 we studied Health at any Size at various educational sessions.
- The shortage of affordable and safe housing is the focus for 2012-2013.
