First Conference of the International Federation of University Women

Abstract

THE International Federation of University Women held its first conference at Bedford College, London, on July 12–14, and it has been interesting to note how thoroughly the Federation deserves its name. If Great Britain and the United States were the most numerously represented, as they are the founder nations, there were plenty of other nationalities to meet them. France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Belgium, the Scandinavian countries, CzechoSlovakia, India, and the Overseas Dominions of the British Empire had all sent their delegates to par- ticipate in the conference. The proceedings opened on the evening of July 12, when a large audience listened to speeches by Lord Grey of Fallodon, Prof. Caroline Spurgeon (Bedford College), Dean Virginia Gildersleeve (Barnard College, New York), and Prof. Winifred Cullis (the London School of Medicine foi Women). Lord Grey emphasised the necessity for intercourse between the peoples of the world, and the women speakers outlined the means by which the International Federation intends to promote this necessary contact between the women of the universities of the world. Briefly, their aims are the establishment of travelling fellowships and international scholarships; the exchange of professors, lecturers, and students; the establishment of club-houses and other centres of international hospitality; and useful co-operation with the national bureaux of education in the various countries.