The National Council of Women of Canada gathered numerous organizations of differing viewpoints under its aegis, helping to empower women through education, debate, and participation in public-policy making. By the end of the 1890’s, the group had achieved a number of objectives on behalf of women in the areas of labor, justice, education, and nursing.
Twenty-two Canadian delegates attended the meeting of the International Council of Women (ICW) that was held in conjunction with the World Congress of Women
About fifteen hundred women, representatives of most women’s organizations in Canada, met in Toronto
As outlined in its constitution, which was drafted by the clerk of the House of Commons, the NCWC was structured to be similar to the ICW in administration and organization, and in spirit: The ICW was made up of women’s organizations from around the world; the NCWC came to be an association of already established groups. The ICW provided a means of communication among women’s organizations around the world; the NCWC was to establish a communication network among associations for the exchange of goals and the means to achieve them. Finally, the ICW had no power over its members; similarly, any association that joined the NCWC would not lose its independence.
The NCWC’s strength came from the councils and their membership. By the end of 1890’s, the NCWC had more than two hundred local councils and six affiliated national organizations, among them the Young Women’s Christian Association
There also were eight national-level standing committees made up of local-council representatives. NCWC yearbooks contained reports from these committees. NCWC funding came from three sources: membership fees, donations, and fund drives. Local meetings were concerned with social issues and the running of cities, but they also were interested in the shaping of the country. Their discussion resulted in petitions to local and provincial governments and in memoranda to the NCWC. The press and personal relationships were also used as tools of persuasion.
The NCWC had a number of characteristics, which also were used as the basis for criticism. First, it was predominantly Anglophone and Protestant. As a result, the English language, values, institutions, and projects were supported and promoted. Except in Montreal
Finally, NCWC philosophy was neither particularly innovative nor radical. Its agenda emphasized the betterment of existing social conditions rather than the initiation of challenges to the established norms or to demands for a new social order. It would not get involved with such issues as women’s rights and the sweating system, which exploited women garment workers. The preservation of the family and the state were major objectives in the preamble to the NCWC constitution. Devoted members such as Hoodless
The NCWC achieved a number of objectives at both the local and national levels. Besides its response to disaster relief, it worked effectively for the just treatment of women by the justice system and in the workplace, worked toward increased educational training and other related opportunities, and worked for increased and sufficient medical care.
First, women inspectors were hired at factories and workshops in Ontario
Second, in 1898, women were appointed to boards of school trustees in New Brunswick
Finally, educating mothers about infant care started in 1896 as health cards were distributed door to door and at meetings in poor districts. The NCWC’s most important achievement was providing care to poor people—immigrants in remote areas, Western farmers, and urban industrial workers. The goal was accomplished with the founding of the Victorian Order of Nurses in 1898. The following year saw nurses sent to fifteen branches and cottage hospitals established for children in Halifax, Regina, and Victoria.
A number of volunteer-service organizations run by and for women had already existed by the time the National Council of Women of Canada was founded in 1893. As a group consisting of specific organizations, however, the NCWC had proved to be an effective voice for women in voluntary work and various initiatives and lobbying efforts.
Also, while many organizations were founded to achieve a specific goal (for example, women’s suffrage) and then fade away after that goal was achieved, the NCWC was meant to survive and expand. Its staying power could be explained by its vision of consensus, in which women could cooperate to find solutions to agreed-upon issues. In addition to being the voice of female opinion and the lobbyist of policies for women and children, the NCWC provided women a place for political and social education. Also, with the inclusion of different religious organizations against the background of bitter religious conflicts during the 1890’s, the organization had raised consciousness of religious tolerance.
Before the women’s vote was granted, the NCWC had succeeded in drawing together both conservative and radical elements under its aegis. The NCWC was able to fulfill its vision by providing a locus for disparate groups of Canadian women.
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Bystydzienski, Jill M., and Joti Sekhon, eds. Democratization and Women’s Grassroots Movements. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1999. Sixteen case studies in Canada and across the world on how community-based actions, programs, and organizations contribute to the creation of a civil society and thus enhance democracy. -
Naples, Nancy A. Grassroots Warriors: Activist Mothering, Community Works, and the War on Poverty. New York: Routledge, 1998. Voices of women who fought for social and economic justice in New York City and Philadelphia. Influence of gender, ethnicity, and class on political consciousness and practice. -
Strong-Boag, Veronica, and Anita Clair Fellman, eds. Rethinking Canada: The Promise of Women’s History. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. A blend of classic essays and contemporary writings, featuring key developments in Canadian history and highlighting women’s distinct experiences, identities, and aspirations. -
Trimble, Linda, and Jane Arscott. Still Counting: Women in Politics Across Canada. Peterborough, Ont.: Broadview Press, 2003. Examination of women’s involvement in Canadian politics and the need to rethink masculinist political culture.
Seneca Falls Convention
British Parliament Passes the Matrimonial Causes Act
Woman Suffrage Associations Begin Forming
Wyoming Gives Women the Vote
Anthony Is Tried for Voting
Declaration of the Rights of Women
Women’s Rights Associations Unite
New Zealand Women Win Voting Rights
Susan B. Anthony; Hubertine Auclert; Mary Ann Shadd Cary; Dame Millicent Garrett Fawcett; Helene Lange; Lucretia Mott; Anna Howard Shaw; Elizabeth Cady Stanton; Lucy Stone; Victoria Woodhull.