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CFUW Ontario Council Newsletter

 

  

 

 

  

 


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Welcome to the  D&D issue containing the programs for the September 28th Standing Committees meetings and Ontario Council updates.
We invite your comments. [email protected]

September 28, 2013
Standing Committees

 

Joint Morning Session

 

Alia Hogben,

Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW), recipient of honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Queen's University and Member of the Order of Canada 

 

 

We're delighted to announce Alia Hogben, Executive Director of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW), recipient of honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Queen's University and Member of the Order of Canada as our keynote speaker for the September 28th 2013 plenary session.

 

Ms Hogben has been recognized for her achievements as a social worker and champion of the rights of women, particularly Muslims, and for promoting dialogue between faiths. CCMW works with scholars, women's groups and other organizations to empower Muslim women within the context of Canadian society, but also to promote an interpretation of Islam that is "humane, egalitarian and equality-driven."

 

Ms Hogben will speak to us about the wide ranging and collaborative work her organization does with almost 30 other organizations to achieve their mutual goals. 

 

 

 

  

Status of Women &
Human Rights Committee
  

 

 

Topic: Muslim Women--Immigrants, Refugees, New Canadians

 

Speakers: Alia Hogben, Exective Director of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women

 

 

During the afternoon session of the Status of Women and Human Rights Standing Committee, Ms Hogben will speak about the challenges and opportunities that face Muslim women, as immigrants or refugees, within the context of Canadian society.

 

We're confident that participants will leave the meeting with a greater understanding of how organizations such as ours can join together with like-minded groups to create a better society. Many of us will also come away with insight into what it really means to be a Muslim woman in Canada. 

 

Cheryl Ambrose

Chair, Status of Women and Human Rights

Legislation Committee  

 

 

Topic:  Privacy and Safety Issues in the Digital World

Speaker:  Michelle Chibba, of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC)

 

The Ontario Council Legislation Committee welcomes you to our first meeting of the year. At CFUW, we embrace the benefits of digital communication, but new technologies are not without cost. We share concerns about the impact on our privacy and related to this, safety. 

 

Two issues have been prominent in the news: the use of metadata to track digital communication, and privacy and safety issues around the use of social media. Cyberbullying immediately comes to mind for the latter.  

 

We are very fortunate that Michelle Chibba, of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) will be our guest presenter at our September meeting. Michelle is the Director of Policy and Special Projects at IPC. Her department conducts research and analysis, and liaises with stakeholders. We will learn about the pivotal role IPC plays in our province including protecting and educating the public, researching privacy-related issues and monitoring and advising government. Michelle will share information about youth, privacy and social media as well as current privacy issues involving surveillance. Check out the initiatives Stop Bullying by Design and A Primer on Metadata: Separating Fact from Fiction on the IPC website, www.ipc.on.ca. 

 

This year, Nova Scotia introduced the Cyber-Safety Act and it is the first province to pass specific legislation. Ontario has amended the Safe Schools Act to address bullying and cyberbullying, but is this enough? In its recent report, Cyberbullying and the Non-consensual Distribution of Intimate Images, to the Federal / Provincial / Territorial Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety, the CCSO Cybercrime Working Group recommends all levels of government continue to "adopt and support a multipronged approach". At this meeting we hope to learn more and begin to lay the groundwork for advocacy strategies at the provincial level.

 

 Sheila Lacroix

Chair, Legislation

 

Education Committee   

 

Topic:  The Effect of Poverty on Education

Speaker:  Dr. Darlene Ciuffetelli Parker, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, Brock University.

The speaker at the afternoon session of the Education Committee will be Dr. Darlene Ciuffetelli Parker, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, Brock University. Dr. Ciuffetelli Parker will tell us about the results of her research into the effect of poverty on education. Over four years she completed two projects focused on students and families living in poverty and educators who work in communities affected by poverty in Ontario. The projects were funded by the Elementary Teacher's Federation of Ontario and resulted in a research report as well as a co-authored book entitled Poverty and Schools in Ontario - How Seven Elementary Schools are Working to Improve Education (Ciuffetelli Parker and Flessa, 2011). She is a guest columnist for the St. Catharines Standard and was a panel advisory member on education for the Globe and Mail. 

Myrtle Greve and Arleen Midriak

Co-chairs, Education

 

2013 - 2014
Standing Committees Meetings
September 28, 2013
January 25, 2014 
March 22, 2014
  
President's Message
September 2013
    

 

From the OC AGM in Sudbury to the National AGM in Saskatoon, to the Triennial IFUW conference Istanbul, the Canadian Federation of University Women continues to take you to places you may not think to go. Each of these experiences broadens and enriches your life personally and professionally.

 

East met West in Istanbul at the International Federation of University Women Triennial conference. For me, this was my first IFUW conference, and I was elated to be in Istanbul and honoured to be chosen as one of the ten delegates. The days were long and the nights were late.

 

Each was filled with opportunities to participate in the business meetings, caucus discussions, workshops and plenary sessions. Along with the work at hand, was the amazing networking among the delegations representing some of the sixty Federations/Associations belonging to IFUW. In a following article you will be reading how one club, CFUW Ottawa, has taken an issue of gender inequalities in education and put Advocacy into Action with concrete results. We can all be proud of the presentation and workshop they presented on Educate Afghan Girls: sustain the nation. The IFUW experiences opened up a whole new perspective on the challenges facing women and girls which the member federations are courageously working to remedy. The issue of Child Marriages for example may not be too far from our own doorstep. The Turkish Association of University Women hosted us with grace, generosity and genuineness.

 

If you have not yet volunteered to be a liaison for your club to view the IFUW website, perhaps this is the time to take on this role. Keep your club informed about the many projects and advocacy efforts of our International Federation of University Women.

 

In the coming months we will all have an opportunity to attend a Fall Gathering in your region or a neighboring region. Who could not be inspired by such topics as "Making Change Happen: Women's Voices are Changing the World...or are they?" "Pathways to the Future...Utilizing Opportunities in Our Communities" "Healthy, Wealthy, & Wise" "Celebrate Women: We Can, We Will"

 

Two Ontario Council clubs, CFUW Kitchener-Waterloo and CFUW Barrie have stepped forward to host the national and provincial AGMs. To the clubs and the many volunteers on committees, thank you for accepting the invitation to host and for bringing us together.

 

Standing Committee meetings in September, January and March provide you with the opportunity to explore issues, engage in discussion and consider Advocacy Actions. Join us this month and the following months to share your efforts in advocacy and gather new information on topics presented. You may just find a like-minded club with which to partner.

 

Be sure to review the Ontario Council website and especially the Resource page. Ontario Council supports clubs with opportunities for grants. Do not hesitate to learn more about these from the website or from your Regional Director.

 

I encourage you to make every effort to attend one of the many Ontario Council and National events during the coming year. Send a representative from your club who can report back on their participation. You will no doubt feel the energy and connection to the other aspects of the organization. 

 

I would like to close with a version of the toast I gave at the CFUW AGM which had the theme Living Skies, Women Soar.

 

For the contribution of our CFUW Members, almost 9000 strong in 110 CFUW Clubs in each province from coast to coast

 

For the Leadership of CFUW Club Executives, Provincial Councils, the National Board and National Office, the numerous committees and Chairs

 

For the individual initiatives which inspire, broaden, and grow our organization

 

For the Values we promote as members of the Canadian Federation of University Women...

 

Human Rights, Empowerment, Respect and Caring, Trust and Cooperation, Equality and Integrity.

 

Under these Living Skies, may we feel the Soaring Spirit within us,

 

And work together to achieve our goals.

 

As we begin a new year, let our hearts soar. 

 

Sincerely 

Brenda

 

 

Club News And Articles
 

 

 CFUW Ottawa Members  Make Presentations Focusing on Afghanistan at IFUW Triennial

 

 

Thirty intrepid Canadian members from university women's clubs across Canada attended the Triennial Conference in Istanbul hosted by the TAUW (Turkish Association of University Women).

 

People ask what was the most memorable part of the trip, the most lasting impression, and it is very hard to find one answer.

 

How does one describe a city of 17.5 million people - one city that contains the same number of people as half the population of Canada. Exciting, energetic, full of contradictions, hot, aromatic, busy, beautiful, often congested but always welcoming, it sits on the great divide between Europe and Asia. From the mournful sounds of the first call to prayer early in the morning to the lights on the Bosphorous at night, Istanbul is a magical city.

I want to share with you one highlight of our time there. It involved a seminar paper and a workshop, both presented by Hally Siddons of CFUW-Ottawa (and co-authored by Dianne Rummery) on the plight of Afghan women and girls and their desperate need for access to education and basic rights to safety and security. And more importantly, it outlined a plan of action that one club has implemented in an attempt to address some of these needs.

The workshop, an extension of the morning seminar, was entitled "Ideas for Action: Developing Sustainable Education for Girls and Women in Afghanistan". The Ottawa presenters partnered with affiliates from Australia, Rwanda, Britain and the USA, and special Afghan guests Dr. Sima Samar and Nasima Rahmani.

 

Hally Siddons from CFUW-Ottawa began with an overview of Afghanistan- one of the most politically turbulent, poorest and least literate countries in the world. It is also the most dangerous in which to live as a woman. Only 29% of the populace is literate, 12% of whom are women. Girls are often forced into early and arranged marriages. Education stops with marriage which often precedes puberty. While education has improved dramatically since the Taliban's misogynist regime, still roughly six million children do not attend school.

 

Joining us as the Afghan voice was the remarkable Dr. Sima Samar, physician, educator, defender of human rights and currently chair of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, and recipient of many international awards. As she did at the 2010 AGM in Ottawa, she opened our hearts and minds to the continuing plight of the women and girls of her country. She reminded us the Afghanistan Constitution states that education is free and compulsory from primary to year 8 level and some financial incentives exist. However, although the rights exist, the reality is a different picture, with low levels of primary education and a lack of political will to enforce the provision of universal education.

 

In addition, social, religious, security and family economic problems prevent the attainment of this ideal. There is a need to change the attitudes of parents, and most importantly to improve the security for children attending schools. There are strong links between limited education and the lack of family planning. Tribal, religious and social elements contribute to the preference for large families, with an average of 6.7 children per family. The economy cannot realistically support this number of children at school. Nevertheless, education is free up to Bachelor level for all schools and departments, including law, medicine and engineering.

 

Participating also was Ms Nasima Rahmani, Director of the Women's Empowerment Centre, Gawharshad Institute of Higher Education in Kabul. Once confined to her home for six years during the reign of the Taliban, she now has a post graduate degree in law and works to educate women about their rights. She has also been working on setting up an affiliate in Afghanistan. IFUW has already approved the Afghan application for a Graduate Women's Organization of Afghanistan. Nasima now waits the approval of the Afghan government.

 

Dr. Leila Metcalf chaired a panel presentation of actions by the NFAs from Rwanda, Australia and Canada to support the education of women and girls in Afghanistan. Rwanda has worked with Afghan lawyers on gender sensitivity training. Australia worked with Afghan women to bring to the Istanbul IFUW a resolution on the right to safe access to education for girls and women in Afghanistan. Turning then to CFUW Hally presented several actions undertaken. Strongly influenced by the words of Dr. Samar in 2010, CFUW-Ottawa formed a study and interest group, University Women Helping Afghan Women, now 40 members strong.

 

This group has worked hard to continue to educate themselves on the issues, to build credibility locally and nationally and to help determine the best actions to take as they move forward. They look for and support other NGOs such as Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan who share their vision. They fundraise through two major events - a musical luncheon and silent auction at the National Arts Centre and a summer evening garden reception in a lovely garden by the water. The funds are used for scholarships at Dr. Samar's Gawharshad Institute of Higher Education and careful recording of the transfer costs on both ends confirm all funds arrive where intended.

They also work to raise public awareness through hosting well-informed speakers, submitting letters to the editor, publishing articles in periodicals, holding events in prominent places to add to visibility and encourage press coverage, making informative presentations to the club and in the community when invited and displaying resource material at such events, and using local and national websites and newsletters when appropriate. And they advocate with letters to elected officials and to local and national newspapers. They work to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. For example, they arrange to ship books to their contacts in Afghanistan if they learn of a library closing, they bring groups or individuals together to raise $600 for an annual scholarship at Gawharshad, they collect and send used instruments, strings and bows in a diplomatic parcel to the National Youth Orchestra of Afghanistan.

 

A lively breakout discussion by all workshop attendees produced many ideas for action that will be contained in an extensive report soon to be posted on the IFUW website. A loose network of members from around the world interested in staying involved is being formed and it is hoped a second document will be produced to consolidate a plan for IFUW and affiliates moving forward. But there is no need to wait and actions by individual members and NFAs can start immediately.

 

In her concluding remarks Hally reminded us of Dr. Samar's continuing message. There will be no security without the full participation of women at the peace table and education is the key to that participation. The girls and women of Afghanistan must be educated so that they can take their rightful and equal place in a post-war Afghan society. Hally urged us as educated women not to ignore Dr. Samar's message. We can provide support to them on their journey to a sustainable society and we must keep their story alive and on the active agendas of our affiliates especially as the international troops withdraw and the eye of the media moves on.

 

The work of advocacy, that is lobbying and directing support to other women and girls who do not have the privileges we enjoy, is one of the tasks which those who founded the Club so many years ago felt strongly about. A few members of the Ottawa club realized this opportunity to assist women in Afghanistan three years ago and have not looked back. We applaud their efforts and put forth the challenge to other clubs to find a project or join us in providing scholarships for girls to attend school in Afghanistan. When this kind of effort happens, all women benefit.

 

Thanks to Hally Siddons, Dianne Rummery and Leila Metcalf for their many efforts. And to Dr Sima Samar for her mentorship and work in a country that we are hopeful will develop into a functioning democracy where women participate fully in decision making and have access to the education they need to be fully equal citizens.

 

Submitted by Nancy DeVillers,

President, CFUW-Ottawa

 

 

 

CFUW Clubs Celebrate Anniversaries in 2013 

 

CFUW Thunder Bay                       80 years

CFUW Kingston                              70 years

CFUW Mississauga                        60 years

CFUW Sudbury                              55 years

CFUW Markham Unionville          30 years

CFUW Ajax Pickering                   25 years

CFUW Muskoka                             20 years

CFUW Barrie & District                   15 years

 

 

  

ONTARIO HURON

 

Ontario Huron clubs have been busy preparing for the 2013-2014 term and the boards/planning committees are excited to present stimulating programs of speakers, events and topics for discourse, education, and continuous learning for their members! The Huron clubs keep each other abreast of news and activities by sharing their newsletters and invite each other to their special events.

  

CFUW Orangeville are ready to host their Fall Gathering on November 9, 2013 at Monora Park Pavilion. The theme, "Celebrate Women: We Can, We Will" speaks to courage and determination in the face of challenges and obstacles- exemplified by their keynote speaker, Nicole Moore, their panel of business women and by the Green Party candidate, Paula Conning on controversial environmental issues. Teri Shaw, Vice President of Advocacy, will facilitate an advocacy workshop.

 

CFUW Saugeen continues to 'move forward' with the recent launching of their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cfuwsaugeen. It is visually vibrant and community minded. Please have a look! They will also feature the film, "Status Quo," on September 23 at their opening meeting for the term.  Their student member, Jessica Baran, volunteered at the National Office this summer. She has been a tremendous asset to the Saugeen club!!

 

CFUW Owen Sound is hosting a Wine and Cheese event to welcome new members this month and will also present Dr. Jacqueline Faubert, October 8th, who will speak on "Women and Empowerment." Dr. Faubert is a Kincardine Town Council member.

 

CFUW Kincardine, my home club in Huron, were educated on financial planning from Janice Matchett, enjoyed a member potluck in July, and raised approximately $500 dollars at our two yard sales during the summer! We will also be hosting a Wine and Cheese for new members on September 16th.

 

CFUW Southport is hosting speaker David McCutcheon on Wednesday September 11th. David walked 800 kilometres in five weeks from the foot of the Pyrenees in France to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain carrying a 20 pound backpack. This was in celebration of his 70th birthday. David is the husband of member Pat McCutheon. In commemoration of Persons's Day,  Mary Eberts is scheduled to be the featured speaker on October 18.   Ms. Eberts was involved in the crafting of the equality guarantees of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is co-founder of LEAF (women's legal education & action fund). For twenty years Mary has been litigation counsel to the Native Women's Association of Canada. Recognition of her work includes the Governor-General's Award in Commemoration of the Person's Case, the Law Society of Upper Canada Gold Medal and several honorary degrees.

Sandy Thomson

  
                   

CFUW Aurora/Newmarket Writing Contest

                                       

Aurora/Newmarket attracted 88 student entries in its third successful writing contest.  This contest is conducted in partnership with a local York Region paper. The paper advertises the contest to the general public throughout York Region.  In addition, notices were distributed through the English departments of the two school boards. Entrants are charged $5 to defray costs. A committee of club members assesses the entries and passes along the top ones to a panel of judges consisting of three people: the editor of the newspaper, the CFUW AuroraNewmarket club President and a celebrity author.  Robert Hough, a finalist for last years Governor General's award was last year's celebrity author.

 

First, second and third place winners receive $400, $300 and $200 respectively and the first place entry is published in the paper. This year's winner was only 16 years old.  A reception is held for winners and parents.  All ten finalists and parents are invited. The event promotes CFUW in the greater community.

  

REGIONAL FALL GATHERINGS

"Pathways to the Future . . Utilizing Opportunities in Our Communities"

An Invitation to Beautiful Muskoka In The Fall 

 

 

Greetings CFUW Members

On behalf of CFUW-Muskoka, I would like to invite you join us at the Ontario North "Fall Gathering" to be held at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre  at the Gravenhurst Wharf on Lake Muskoka on Saturday October 26th, 2013.  Our organizing committee has worked diligently planning a program that addresses the questions and issues that our relevant to our northern clubs.

Fall Gatherings provide CFUW members an opportunity to get together in a casual way to share ideas. The theme we have chosen:  "Pathways to the Future . . . Utilizing Opportunities In Our Communities" identifies common issues we all share.  We ncourage outreach, and partnerships to enhance our visibility in our community and to inspire younger women to join CFUW.  We will also discuss how our advocacy makes a difference and the importance of being a part of the International Federation of University Women.

 

 Let's start now! Please join us for a day of fun and inspiration!

Sincerely,

 Jo-Anne Bruce

 President, CFUW Muskoka    

  
ONTARIO HURON REGIONAL GATHERING
                   

CELEBRATE WOMEN: WE CAN, WE WILL

Saturday, November 9, 2013
 
                   

Keynote Speaker: Nicole Moore

In January 2011, Nicole Moore, an Orangeville nurse, was almost killed in a shark attack while on vacation in Cancun Mexico. Pain, multiple surgeries and eventual amputation of her left arm have never dampened her spirit and today, though still in recovery mode, she has returned to her nursing career at Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Nicole's story is one of perseverance, strength and courage and demonstrates the enormous obstacles that an individual can overcome if you "keep moving forward," whether in leaps and bounds or in small baby steps.

After hearing Nicole's remarkable story, you will have no doubt that, "we can, we will."


  
         

Ontario East Regional Fall Gathering

 

We invite you and your CFUW club members to attend this year's Regional Fall Gathering in Ottawa on October 19, 2013.

The theme of this year's Regional Fall Gathering is, "Healthy, Wealthy and Wise - Taking Care of Ourselves Financially, Physically and Legally".

Bearing in mind that CFUW members are good about looking after others, this gathering is designed to help us take care of ourselves.  The dynamic day that we have planned for you is meant to be informative and fun.

The whole day, including presentations, entertainment, lunch and refreshments throughout the day is only $35.00 ($40.00 after October 1st.)
 
To reserve a spot you can register on-line at
www.cfuw-ottawa.org  and follow the links on the home page. 


 
Please join us on October 19th.

Leila Metcalf
Regional Director, CFUW Ontario East

Nancy Simmons-Wright
Chair, Regional Fall Gathering Local Arrangements Committee

          
  
Find more information about Regional Gatherings at: cfuwontcouncil.ca   
Upcoming Meetings
  
2013 - 2014
Standing Committees Meetings
September 28, 2013
January 25, 2014 
March 22, 2014
  

 CFUW Ontario East Regional Gathering
Hosted by CFUW Ottawa
Date: October 19,  2013  
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
 Emmanuel United Church, 691 Smyth Rd, Ottawa
Theme:  Healthy, Wealthy  & Wise

CFUW Ontario North Regional Gathering
Hosted by CFUW Muskoka
Date: October 26, 2013   
 
   Gravenhurst Wharf
 
Theme: 
 Pathways to the Future. . .Utlizing Opportunities in our Communities
  

  
Ontario Huron Regional Gathering
hosted by CFUW Orangeville and District  
Date: November 9, 2013  
Time: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  Monora Park Pavilion
 Orangeville
Theme: 

CELEBRATE WOMEN: WE CAN, WE WILL


Ontario South Regional Gathering
hosted by CFUW Brantford  
Date: November 2, 2013  
   Brantford Golf and Country Club
Theme: 

Making Change Happen: Women's Voices are Changing the World. . .or are they?

 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

 

CFUW Ontario Council AGM 2014

The Times They Are A' Changin'

Hosted By CFUW Barrie & District

May 9-10, 2014

Monte Carlo Inn--Barrie Suites

 


 

CFUW Annual General Meeting

Our Emerging Mosaic

Hosted By CFUW Kitchener-Waterloo

June 19-22, 2014

Waterloo Inn