Victoria Women's Movement
Archives
Introduction
 

The Victoria Women's Movement Archives opened in September 1995. It is a collaborative effort of women's groups in Victoria, the University of Victoria Archives, and the Department of Women's Studies. The Archives recognizes the important contributions that local women have made to the improvement of women's social, economic and political condition in the Victoria area. It provides a record of the events that have lead to the rich legacy of activism which has served all women in the Victoria area.

The Archives was established in order to preserve and provide access to important material documenting the history of women's movement groups in Victoria. Too often these documents are in basements or attics deteriorating and unavailable to either activists or researchers interested in finding out more about the local feminist community.

The establishment of the Archives not only provides secure and accessible records, it also helps women, individually and collectively, to understand the importance of their work. For example, minutes and reports of local activities can be placed in a wider historical and political context that gives greater significance to the work of the women that created the records. In this electronic age, it is important to remember that paper documents continue to be relevant.

The Victoria Women's Movement Archives is looking for records that document a broad range of political viewpoints as represented in educational, health, advocacy, cultural, social services, multicultural and immigrant organizations. These can either be current or past groups. Primary consideration will be given to original records such as minutes, correspondence, reports, newsletters, diaries, logs, photographs and audio-visual material.

If you have any records you would like to donate to the Victoria Women's Movement Archives, or if you would like more information, please contact Lara Wilson (ljwilson@uvic.ca) at the University Archives.

The Victoria Women's Movement Archives will be pleased to accept financial donations. Donations of $25.00 or more are tax deductible. Cheques may be made out the the University of Victoria and sent to:

University Archives
Univerity of Victoria Libraries
PO Box 1800
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
V8W 3H5