Catholic Women's League

Originally intended to bring together Catholic women in England,[1][2] the organization has grown, and may be found in numerous Commonwealth countries.

In 1906, Margaret Fletcher, an English convert to Catholicism, suggested the founding of a Catholic women's organization in England.

Fletcher believed that education was crucial for preparing Catholic women to play a greater role in civic life.

In keeping with Catholic doctrine, leaders of the CWL campaigned against easing restrictions on divorce, and against the legalization of abortion.

[8] Members of CWL also engaged in charitable activities, and advocated in favor of policies that addressed social ills.

[13] According to historian Anne O'Brien, one of the motivations for the founding of the CWL at that time was to organize Catholic women's support for Australia's war effort.