Women's Nonprofit Network

WNN is a community dedicated to empowering women in the nonprofit sector by fostering leadership, connection, and well-being. With a foundation of inclusivity and equity, we facilitate the creation of transformative spaces where women can thrive, lead with purpose, and drive lasting change.

More than 1.6 million women work in Canada's nonprofit sector, comprising 80% of the workforce. Many of these women are racialized and immigrants, playing essential roles in addressing critical issues such as homelessness, health, and the environment. Yet, they face significant disparities.

Women in nonprofit organizations encounter numerous barriers to accessing the resources they need for career progression, limiting their opportunities to move into leadership roles. This contributes to a persistent gender pay gap and lower wages compared to the for-profit sector. Despite their vital contributions, women often lack the necessary support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, resulting in burnout and underrepresentation in leadership.

The Women's Nonprofit Network (WNN) is committed to addressing the chronic under-resourcing of women in Canada’s nonprofit sector, with a focus on career development and advancement. WNN was founded to fill this gap by providing an inclusive community and digital platform designed to propel women into leadership roles and transform Canada’s nonprofit sector.

Our vision is a world where women in the nonprofit sector are empowered to lead, innovate, and drive positive community building; where women’s voices are at the forefront of decision-making, equity is the norm, and diverse leadership creates lasting impact and inclusivity.