CFUW St. John's

06/17/2026

CFUW St. John’s and Michael Donavan Library

In 1964, following a lobbying and publicity campaign, CFUW St.John’s persuaded the St. John’s City Council to fund the establishment of the first two Children’s Branch Libraries. CFUW St. John’s members were appointed to the Library Board.

06/01/2026

Gender-based violence is widespread throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Rates are increasing, affecting individuals, families and communities. In response to the ongoing and devastating impacts, today the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Lela Evans, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, officially declared gender-based violence an epidemic and announced the establishment of a task force.

This epidemic impacts people of all backgrounds, with women, girls, Indigenous Peoples, members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and marginalized populations being disproportionately affected. The impacts are far-reaching, affecting physical safety, mental health, housing stability, economic security and overall community well-being.

Regardless of age, socioeconomic background, or geographic location, gender-based violence remains a deeply rooted issue that requires a unified and comprehensive response to eliminate it from society.

The establishment of a Task Force to End Gender-Based Violence brings together individuals with lived experience, Indigenous representatives, frontline service providers, and other key community partners. Central to the work of the task force will be ensuring that the voices of survivors and those directly impacted by violence are not only heard but meaningfully included in decision-making processes.

The task force is composed of 12 members, including six from outside government, and six individuals representing the Office of Women and Gender Equality, Education and Early Childhood Development, Health and Community Services, Justice and Public Safety, Social Supports and Well-Being, and the NL Housing Corporation.

The six non-government members include:

Georgina McGrath and Lisa Brenton-Lake – two individuals with lived experience who have long advocated for change.
Dr. Elder Odelle Pike and Elder Charlotte Wolfrey, Co-chairs of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council.
Stacey Hoffe of the Mokami Status of Women Centre and Chair of the Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women.
Mary Walsh, Executive Director of End Sexual Violence NL.

06/01/2026

On May 30th, 2023, the Government of Canada recognized the exclusion of Chinese immigrants from 1923-1947 as an event of historical significance. The Chinese Immigration Act of 1923, also known as the Chinese Exclusion Act, banned the entry of nearly all Chinese immigrants for 24 years. While the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that Canada allowed entry to only 15 Chinese immigrants between 1923 and 1946.

In the film In the Shadow of Gold Mountain, director Karen Cho explores the devastating impact of the Act through interviews with the remaining survivors of the era.

05/27/2026

🚗 Volunteers Needed — Support Seniors in Our Community ❤️

Connections for Seniors is looking for compassionate volunteers to help seniors stay independent, connected, and supported.

We need help with:
🍲 Delivering meals and food hampers
🚐 Driving delivery routes (vehicle provided or your own)
📞 Reception and office support
🤝 Community outreach, events, and general volunteering

Even a few hours a week can make a real difference in a senior’s life.

👉 Get involved here: https://bit.ly/agewithdignity

Thank you for supporting seniors in our community 💙

05/23/2026

On May 24th, 1918, the Women's Franchise Act was enacted, giving many women in Canada the right to vote in federal elections, but not all. Immigrants of Asian origin and their descendants, certain religious groups, as well as Inuit and Aboriginal peoples were excluded. It took another 40 years before all women in Canada were granted the same right.

04/28/2026

Hello!

I just wanted to share the poster for our next meeting. Our meeting is open to the public.

The Alexander Murray Building of Memorial University (The Earth Science Building), is on the North Side of Prince Philip Parkway (across from the engineering building). There is free parking available underneath the building. Drive through a very short lane between the Earth Science Building and the University (Student) Centre to the Parking level 2 on your left. Take the elevator to the fourth floor.

Thanks!! Share this poster if interested and hopefully a lot of people can make it!

04/25/2026

Red Dress Day 2026, held every May 5th, is a National Day of
remembrance and activism honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+).

It began with the REDress Project, created by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010. On this day, red dresses will be draped in trees, hanging from windows, pinned to jackets, worn as earrings and red hands painted across faces, people will be partaking in rally’s and ceremonies to honour their loved ones, participating as allies and fighting for justice.

04/25/2026

Did you know that May 28th is World Menstrual Hygiene Day—a reminder of an issue that matters every single day?

Every girl and woman deserves to manage her period with dignity, safety, and confidence.

Participate throughout May by collecting menstrual products for local food banks and women’s shelters. These essential health items are always in high demand, and your support can make a meaningful difference.

Together, let’s continue to raise awareness about period dignity and amplify the impact of our collective efforts across our communities.

04/13/2026

04/08/2026

For over 80 years, CFUW St. John’s has supported higher education for women and advocated for change, having a major impact locally and beyond.