Self-organization of Ukrainian women in Canada during the first and the second waves of immigration (1892-1914, 1922-1939)

Abstract

The suggested article analyzes genesis, typology and organizational principles of Ukrainian women's movement in Canada during the first and the second waves of immigration.It has been stated that Ukrainian women's movement absorbed experience of public and political activity of women of Eastern Galychyna at the end of 19th till the middle of 20th century, as among its activists there were many representatives of those who worked in women's organizations of the counry. Moreover, the need to protect their own rights, existence under the threat of assimilation ,the necessity of successful socio-economic integration in polyethnic Canadian society lead to the unity of Ukrainian women in Canada and further solution of their burning problems . The article emphasizes the process of creating Ukrainian women's organizations, their role in social ,political, cultural and educational activities of the Ukraininan community. It has been noted that the formation of the first Ukrainian women's organizations took place on the basis of political parties and powerful religious confessions.The main outcomes of the research are as follows. During the researched period Ukrainian women's organizations formed their own structure, strengthened institutionally and the number of their members greatly increased. Being organized by the principle of multileveled hierarchy and in accordance with their own statute, Ukrainian women's organizations created effective multileveled structure In the first decade of 20th century. Ukrainian women were greatly involved in public and political life of Canada. Consolidation of organized Ukrainian women resulted in formation of women's organizations and societies which represented predominant organizational tendencies of women's movement such as liberal, conservative and socialist.