About REAL Women of Canada

Formed and incorporated in 1983,  REAL Women of Canada is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-denominational organization of women (and men) from all walks of life, occupations, social and economic backgrounds. Some members work full or part time outside the home, while some mainly work in the home.

Our name defines our aim. The word REAL is an acronym which means Realistic, Equal, Active, for Life.

REAL Women speaks for women who support the values of traditional family and marriage.  We believe the family is the most important unit in Canadian society.  We see the fragmentation of the family as one of the major causes of disorder in society today.

REAL Women of Canada is governed by a volunteer board of directors from across Canada.  Members are invited to attend our annual general meeting. Click here to contact us for more information.

NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations

In 1998, REAL Women was granted Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).

This permits REAL Women to participate in the work of the UN by attending its deliberations at meetings and International Conferences. REAL Women is permitted to express its pro-life/family views by placing items on the agenda, submitting written statements and making oral presentations to governments during these deliberations.

Over the years, REAL Women has participated in many UN Conferences and meetings around the world on issues affecting women and the family.  These include:

  • The UN Conference on Population & Development (Cairo 1994)
  • The Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing 1995)
  • The UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II – Istanbul 1996)
  • The UN World Food Summit (Rome 1996)
  • Numerous preparatory committee meetings in New York City for UN Conferences
  • UN Commission on the Status of Women Conferences on a regular basis, during which we work with other international pro-family groups to present seminars and parallel events

Who We Are

Women are not all the same.  We are individuals, extremely different in our needs and interests.  No single group or ideology can represent the views of all women.

Most women agree with the concept of equality for women, but there are different approaches to achieving equality.  REAL Women believes the social and economic problems of women can be resolved only by considering the effects on family life and society as a whole.  We believe the family is the basic unit in society, it is the ideal model to nurture the young, protect the vulnerable and care for the elderly.

The traditional roles of homemaker, wife and mother have changed as new opportunities have emerged outside the home for women.  One fact that has remained unchanged over the years is our need for family, children and other relationships.  The majority of women (90%) want or have children.

Our many options have challenged women to find new ways to combine our roles in society with our personal needs and family responsibilities.  A new women’s movement became necessary to integrate the requirements of family life into government legislation and policies.

REAL Women supports career choices for women, including the option of remaining at home.  Many women subordinate their careers, interests and financial needs of their families, by choosing to remain at home as full-time homemakers.  Dedication to the role of motherhood should be encouraged, not discouraged, by tax laws and legislation.  At the very least, government policies should remain neutral on the issue of career choice for women.  Public policy should treat women at home and in the workplace equally.