Recording our FAWCO history has been a hit-or-miss affair, especially in the early years. Indeed, in 1939 the Federation archives were destroyed by Vice-President Morgenstierne of Oslo as she just managed to escape deportation. FAWCO was reactivated in 1949.

It is with thanks to Elizabeth Tine of Rome that we have “History Highlights,” three small-typed pages published in 1963. She emphasizes these familiar goals:

to bring about better understanding between nations” and “to keep in constant touch with the latest developments in The United Nations in connection with the status of women throughout the world."

FAWCO then published histories in a more orderly fashion, in 1971, 1981, 1991 and 2001. These were staple-bound affairs in soft red covers.

FAWCO’S 75th Birthday, 1931-2006, was celebrated in a grander fashion – a glorious red hardcover edition, the FAWCO seal in gold; 224 pages; archival footage of ladies in hats and gloves; distinguished guests (Rose Kennedy, Jehan Sadat, Pope Paul VI); essays, awards, and pictures galore in black and white and color.

Editors Nancy Thornley and Georgia Regnault have continued to record our Red Book memories in three further editions, 2011 and 2016 and 2020.

FAWCO 2016-2020: Rebranding for the Future (pdf download)

2016 update The Red Book (pdf download)

2011 update The Red Book (pdf download)

2006 The Red Book (pdf download)