The Women Graduates Union (WGU), a non governmental organization, is an association of educated, forward looking women that works towards the betterment of women and the upliftment of the society as a whole. It brings to fore the educated women’s perspective to social, educational, cultural and civic issues. It offers redress to many unique issues that impact women and their families.

The Union was founded in 1915, and since then it has continuously performed yeoman service to the society at large. Today, the Union runs a working women’s hostel at Colaba, Mumbai where it undertakes several projects / activities.

These include:

• Computer Centre
• Consumer and Civic Affairs
• Counselling and Guidance Center
• Scholarship
• Study Centre
• The Behramji Lalkaka Balwadi
• Working Women’s Hostel
• Yoga and Aerobic Classes

The Union offers scholarships on a need cum merit basis for women who intend to pursue further studies but face a monetary deterrent.

The WGU is also active in civic issues. It conducts regular workshops on civic issues of relevance and takes up issues with regulatory bodies to find workable solutions.

WGU is the Mumbai counterpart for the Indian Federation of University, of Women’s Association and is affiliated to the International Federation of University Women.

Annual Oration – After several years, WGU revived the Annual Oration which was held at the Convocation Hall on February 22nd 2000. The eminent senior advocate, Mr. Iqbal Chagla spoke on Public Interest Litigation. The Chief Guest was Justice Vishnu Sahai.

The Women Graduates Union had for the first time instituted the ‘Recognition of Women Achievers Awards’ to encourage and recognize the achievements in their respective fields. Five Women Achievers were recognized – Ms. Lalita Gupte (Finance), Ms. Dina Vakil (Media), Dr. Jyoti Parikh (Science), Ms. Brinda Somaya (Architecture) and Dr. Indu Shahani (Education). This was a great moment for both, the Achievers and the Women Graduates Union. This programme was followed by An Oration on “Science and Sustainability” by Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission & Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy.

To mark a major milestone and celebrate nine decades of outstanding achievements, WGU arranged An Oration by Dr. Karan Singh, M.P., Rajya Sabha and Chairman, Committee of Ethic & President of Indian Council of Cultural Relations, on April 1, 2006. An outstanding thinker in India and abroad Dr. Karan Singh’s Oration on “Four Pillars of Learning” was educative and illuminating. The Four Pillars of Learning were briefly (1) Learning to know (2) Learning to do (3) Learning to Live Together (4) Learning to Be. Women could play a crucial role in inculcating five sets of high values, viz. (a) Family (b) Societal (c) Interfaith (d) Environmental and (e) Values for a Global Society. The Oration was followed by felicitation of four outstanding Women Achievers. WGU presented them with a shawl and a framed Citation, lauding their special success.

Mrs. Rani Jadhav and Mrs. K. Noorjehan were the first women to reach these heights. The Hon’ble Dr. Vijay Khole, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai, presided over the function. He cited instances of the innovative steps taken by Mumbai University to implement the Four Pillars of Learning. Truly the 90th Anniversary Oration of WGU was a memorable occasion for all present.

WGU was affiliated to The Indian Federation of University Women’s Association (IFUWA) in 1921. Founded in Kolkata in 1920, IFUWA is also an affiliate of the International Federation of University Women (IFUW). WGU, as affiliate of IFUWA and IFUW, is a member of the ‘University Women of Asia’ (UW of Asia) and SAARC Federation of University Women (SAARCFUW).

One of the advantages derived by WGU members being affiliated to IFUWA and IFUW is the awarding of foreign scholarships to sponsored candidates of sister associates from all over the world.

WGU has, historically, hosted at least one of the Central Council meetings of IFUWA during all the Biennials and Triennials, whenever the headquarters was at any other U.W.A’s of India.

WGU’s A.R. on the Central Committee has always been active and keeps the liaison between WGU and IFUWA, IFUW alive, as also WGU members who attend and are on the UW Asia and SAARCFUW committees.

In 1947 WGU took up the task of reorganization and drafting of the constitution.

In 1970, the Golden Jubilee celebration of IFUWA was hosted by WGU in Bombay. The celebrations were inaugurated by Dr. V.K.R.V.Rao, Union Minister for Education. A roll call of Honour was performed with fifty distinguished women present at the occasion. A symposium on ‘Education & Social Progress’ was held to celebrate the Indian Education Year.

The Biennial Conference of IFUWA on ‘Whether Technology- Constructive & Destructive Aspects’ was held in 1985.