1. NATIONAL INITIATIVE ON PREVENTING AND RESPONDING TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS VP Membership

2. A Bit of History Needs: To help build an awareness of CFUW Clubs had asked for a national initiative. Result: National Initiative on Preventing and Responding to Violence against Women and Girls was launched in 2013. Often referred to it as the Initiative on VAW

3. Building on the success of the first year, we continued with this focus in 2014/2015 We have featured many of the club activities: – in The Communicator, – on the website &our Facebook site – the External Annual Report CFUW National has worked closely with:  The Canadian Network of Women Shelters and Transition Houses  The YWCA Canada  others involved in the VAW sector.

4. New This Year VAW Award To recognize the work of clubs over the last two years 1 Award per region Prize to be given to each Award Winner

5.  We can be proud of the work that has been done both at the club and national level.  We have developed a certain momentum and awareness – within CFUW, – in the communities supporting this work – in the general public.  The issue of prevention of violence against women is one that will not go away soon.  There is a strong feeling that we need to continue our involvement on this important issue.

6. Going Forward The Membership Committee, in consultation with clubs and National, will develop a strategy/plan to include elements like:  Aboriginal Award and focus  Ecole Polytechnique Award  Strengthening our partnerships with similar-focused organizations nationally and locally