About Us
How the Canadian Association of Women Centre Societies Started
The Canadian Association of Women Centre Societies (CAWCS) is a national network dedicated to advancing women's equality, strengthening feminist advocacy, and supporting women's centres across Canada. We serve as a unified national voice for women's centres, working to ensure that governments uphold their commitments to gender equity, including obligations under Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE) initiatives and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Our Impact
Through collaboration, advocacy, research, and capacity-building, we connect women's centres, community organizations, researchers, and national leaders to address the evolving needs of women and girls. We advocate for equitable funding and resources, develop promising practices for the women's centre sector, mentor emerging organizations, and foster a strong national network for collective action.
CAWCS is committed to revitalizing and reshaping feminism for the modern era by educating Canadians about the ongoing importance of gender equality and addressing persistent gaps in feminist advocacy. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected movement that advances the rights, health, safety, and leadership of women in every region of Canada.
Our Purpose
To establish a unified and influential voice for women’s centre organizations, both nationally and globally, that advances and sustains the feminist movement. This includes fostering international partnerships and stakeholder relationships, advocating for gender equity across diverse contexts, and positioning the organization as a key collaborator in global affairs related to women’s rights. The purpose further encompasses creating inclusive spaces for women’s centres to engage in advocacy, influence policy, and hold governments accountable to their gender equity commitments, while supporting opportunities for women and girls worldwide to lead, participate, and advance.
Our Actions
Establish a Unified National Voice
Establish a Unified National Voice
Establish a Unified National Voice
Lead Policy and Systems Advocacy
Establish a Unified National Voice
Establish a Unified National Voice
Hold Governments Accountable
Establish a Unified National Voice
Build International Partnerships
Build International Partnerships
Establish a Unified National Voice
Build International Partnerships
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Create Inclusive Advocacy Spaces
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Work in Partnerships to Generate Research and Knowledge
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Work in Partnerships to Generate Research and Knowledge
Strengthen the Women's Centre Sector
Support Leadership Development to Advance Women and Girls
Work in Partnerships to Generate Research and Knowledge
Advance Public Awareness and Narrative Change
Advance Public Awareness and Narrative Change
Advance Public Awareness and Narrative Change
Become a Global Convenor for Women's Rights
Advance Public Awareness and Narrative Change
Advance Public Awareness and Narrative Change
Reshape Modern Day Feminism in Canada
Advance Public Awareness and Narrative Change
Reshape Modern Day Feminism in Canada
Women's Funding
