Not much has been written about the women who supported or worked within the
co-op movement. In fact, one is left with the impression that women did not
contribute much of significance other than as caretakers of their
families. Much of what has been written about the story of the Wetaskiwin Co-op does
not highlight the women that played a very important role in the growth of co-operatives.
In the search for information about "co-op" women, lists of names were
discovered, but little existed in the way of biographical information or achievements.
So the obvious question presents itself: Who were the women that helped shape
the Wetaskiwin Co-op and what exactly did they do?
Alberta women were no different than every other
group of women in North America or
Europe. Women have added to human knowledge and skill in every field, from the arts
and humanities to aviation, sports, science, and government. Women have been at the
forefront of many social justice movements in Canada. They became union organizers,
social activists, politicians, suffragists.
Around the time of the First World War Alberta women organized their own
United Farm Women of the U.F.A. locals. They steadfastly crusaded for social reform
and education in health matters. In the Wetaskiwin district they were concerned with both
legislation and home economics. They organized health clinics and contributed enormously
to developing the store operations. In addition they organized and catered U.F.A.
functions. Those that campaigned and those that got elected to the Alberta Legislature
forged new ground for Alberta women in politics.
We believe that many women accomplished far more than they have been
acknowledged for. Their early contributions are probably quite impressive,
especially considering that they worked without societal support and often in spite of
legal restrictions.
This list which follows is comprised of women who worked in the
Co-op or women who generously volunteered their time. The list is obviously
incomplete.
Please drop us a quick note
if you know:
If you include a phone number we'll follow up with a phone call to
learn more about this special woman.
