Frances (Fran) Harding
Community Pillars
Frances (Fran) Harding has been a dedicated and compassionate force for social impact in Ottawa for more than five decades, with a particular focus on advancing equity, dignity, and opportunity for women and gender-diverse individuals. A resident of Ottawa since 1969, she studied Sociology at Carleton University, where she developed a lifelong commitment to social justice and community service. Since her retirement, Fran has devoted her time, energy, and personal resources to volunteer leadership across multiple organizations, most notably the Canadian Federation of University Women – Ottawa (CFUW-Ottawa), which she joined approximately 16 years ago.
Within CFUW-Ottawa, Fran has distinguished herself as a tireless advocate, strategist, and hands-on organizer whose contributions have strengthened both local initiatives and national policy work. In 2025, following the adoption of the national resolution on “Addressing Period Poverty and Menstrual Inequity in Canada,” Fran took immediate leadership in launching CFUW-Ottawa’s Period Poverty Drive. She coordinated volunteers, organized donation opportunities, and mobilized members across the community to respond to urgent needs. Her efforts raised $2,582 to support bulk purchases of essential menstrual products and collected an additional 65 pounds of personal care items. These supplies were distributed to the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and the Centretown Community Food Centre, directly supporting individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness. Her initiative not only met practical needs but also helped reduce stigma and restore dignity to those affected. She continues to lead this campaign, including its planned relaunch on International Women’s Day 2026.
Fran has also made a lasting contribution to educational access and inclusion through the CFUW-Ottawa Scholarship Trust Fund. She played a key role in establishing the Susan Scott-Parker Scholarship in 2014–15, awarded annually at Carleton University to a woman student with a permanent disability registered with the Paul Menton Centre. This scholarship reflects Fran’s belief in removing barriers to education and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.
Her exceptional service was recognized in 2022 with the CFUW-Ottawa Pink Rose Award, which honours members who contribute quietly but consistently with extraordinary dedication. Her leadership has included service on the CFUW-Ottawa Board as Program Coordinator and Vice-President of Communications, as well as active participation in advocacy and policy development. She has contributed to nationally adopted resolutions, including work on payday lending reform, and has supported initiatives addressing international crises, including advocacy for Afghan women and families.
Fran is Co-Convener of CFUW’s University Women Helping Afghan Women (UWHAW) initiative, where she supports English-language learning programs, advocates with government officials, and collaborates with Afghan women-led organizations. Her work contributes to global efforts to address gender apartheid and expand educational access for Afghan women and girls.
Beyond CFUW, Fran has supported organizations such as iSisters Technology Mentoring and Cornerstone Housing for Women, where she has led long-standing grassroots fundraising efforts, including the annual “Not Victoria’s Secret Panty Party,” now in its 15th year.
Through decades of volunteerism, advocacy, and quiet leadership, Fran Harding has strengthened community organizations, advanced gender equity, and improved the lives of women locally and internationally. Her impact is defined not only by what she has accomplished, but by the dignity, compassion, and sustained commitment she brings to every initiative she leads.
