Our Regional Events

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The Women’s Centre Project, initiated by the Interior Women’s Centre Society and funded by the Western Canada Women’s Foundation, was created to reopen women’s centres that had closed across BC’s Interior and to strengthen the network of these vital community spaces. 

Women’s centres serve as safe, feminist hubs where women can find support and organize grassroots advocacy, especially in smaller communities where resources are limited.

This project brings women’s centres together to share knowledge, build connections, and develop a community of practice focused on women’s advocacy and sustainability. By fostering collaboration and evidence-informed approaches, we are helping these centres not just reopen, but thrive long-term, ensuring they continue to serve the women who need them most.

The Western Canada Women’s Foundation invites collectives and community groups to reach out, whether you are running an existing Women’s Centre seeking support or are interested in starting one in your community.

On International Women’s Day 2025, more than 300 people came together in Kamloops, BC, to raise their voices for women’s rights, a powerful display of solidarity, community, and an unwavering commitment to gender equity. 

Moments like these matter because women’s rights are not just social issues; they are legal rights, hard-fought and too often under threat. Every step we take in the march is a reminder that progress is not guaranteed and that laws and policies can either protect or erode our freedoms.

The Western Canada Women’s Foundation proudly stands alongside the global movement, working to connect communities across provinces and bridge women’s marches from city to city. We march not only for ourselves, but for those whose voices are silenced by injustice, discrimination, or fear. 

Standing tall together sends a clear message: women’s rights are human rights, and we will not stand by while they are challenged. Our collective presence is both a celebration of how far we have come and a call to action for the work that remains.

The Western Canada Women’s Foundation champions bold, evidence-based change in women’s health by addressing the full spectrum of social determinants that shape well-being. From tackling period poverty to creating equitable, accessible solutions for menstrual health, we work to ensure women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals can thrive without barriers. 

Our advocacy calls for policies that recognize the real impact of menstrual health challenges, including paid sick leave, so no one is forced to work through pain, stigma, or debilitating symptoms. Health is more than medical care; it is about dignity, equity, and the right to fully participate in life, every day of the month.

The Western Canada Women’s Foundation is committed to empowering women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in civic life. We believe that understanding civic liberties and the mechanisms of government is essential for protecting rights, shaping policy, and driving change. By equipping women with tools for effective advocacy and fostering pathways to high-level leadership positions, we work to close the gender gap in decision-making spaces. When more women lead in politics, policy, and public service, our communities benefit from more inclusive, equitable, and forward-thinking leadership that reflects the diverse voices of our society.

Despite progress, British Columbia still struggles with one of the largest wage gaps in Canada, a disparity that is even greater for minority women facing multiple barriers. The Western Canada Women’s Foundation is leading the charge to close this gap by advocating for fair pay, transparent workplace policies, and stronger enforcement of equal pay laws. We actively promote and encourage women to enter and thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields, whether in sports, trades, STEM, law, or business, because women are just as capable and deserve equal recognition and compensation. By amplifying the voices of those affected by wage discrimination and partnering with communities, employers, and policymakers, we drive systemic change. 

Moving forward, we remain dedicated to advancing research, supporting wage equity campaigns, and empowering women with the tools to claim their rightful place and fair pay in every sector. True equity means valuing and paying women fairly wherever they choose to lead and succeed.

Gender-based violence remains a devastating epidemic across British Columbia and Alberta, deeply impacting the lives of women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. The Western Canada Women’s Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to eradicating this violence by breaking the silence and stigma that too often keep survivors isolated. We amplify lived experiences to foster understanding and courage, while also supporting programs that address root causes—reducing stress and triggers that can escalate into violence.

Our strategic approach includes educating and counselling men to promote healthy, respectful relationships and transforming environments to be safer and more supportive. Through targeted awareness campaigns, action-driven projects, and community partnerships, we create pathways for healing, prevention, and justice. The Foundation is dedicated to working across sectors and communities to build a future where violence against women is no longer tolerated—where safety, dignity, and equity are the norm for all.