October 21 Becomes Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day (WNAD): A National Call for Recognition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A new national initiative led by the Women’s Nonprofit Network will spotlight the women powering Canada’s nonprofit sector and advocate for gender equity across the field.
Toronto, ON – September 22, 2025 – The Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN) is proud to announce the launch of Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day (WNAD), a new annual national initiative taking place on October 21. The organization, founded in 2024 to champion women in the nonprofit sector, is leading the day with the goal of elevating the accomplishments, visibility, and lived experiences of the women leaders shaping Canada’s nonprofit sector.
Every year, Canada’s nonprofit sector is powered by 2.8 million workers and the dedication of millions of volunteers, who contribute 4.1 billion hours of service. Despite this critical labour, women’s contributions, estimated to account for 80% of the sector, are often invisible, undervalued and overlooked. The labour of building social change is real work, and it deserves recognition. This is not just a workforce issue; it’s a gender equity issue and a recognition issue.
Women in nonprofits aren’t just supporting communities, they’re transforming them. Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day is a national call to shift that narrative, bringing long-overdue visibility and legitimacy to the women who sustain Canada’s nonprofit sector.
"Our sector is held together by invisible labour. By those who give everything but are rarely recognized,” said Hailey Rodgers, Founder & Executive Director of WNN. “Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day is about validating this work, creating space for celebration and shining a light on the leaders shaping a better future for us all.”
The announcement coincides with an internal survey conducted by the organization, which revealed the following key findings:
Only about one-third of respondents (35%) feel their work is valued or very valued by the broader public, while 28% feel their contributions are not valued or not valued at all.
More than one-third of respondents (34%) feel inadequately supported or completely unsupported by their employers when it comes to mental health support.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) have witnessed or experienced gender-based bias and discrimination in their workplaces.
While 37% feel gender hasn't significantly affected their advancement opportunities, over one-third (35%) report negative impacts on their leadership prospects due to gender.
Less than one-quarter of respondents (24%) feel consistently recognized and celebrated for their contributions, while the majority experience sporadic (46%) or rare (23%) recognition.
The campaign aims to showcase women changemakers and mobilize nonprofits and the public to recognize undervalued work, while building a national network of champions. It’s time Canada knows the women powering our nonprofit sector.
"Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day recognizes the dedication and leadership of women who drive meaningful change in our communities,” says Meera Mahadeo, the newly appointed WNN Board Chair. “WNN is proud to stand with our partners and organizations across the sector, and is committed to continuing to work collaboratively on this initiative."
Individuals, nonprofits, community members, sponsors, and media outlets are encouraged to take part in the movement.
On October 21, WNN invites individuals and organizations across Canada to join Women in Nonprofit Awareness Day by sharing stories and tributes on social media using #WomenInNonprofitAwarenessDay, and by downloading the Campaign Kit filled with ready-to-use graphics, resources and ideas for getting involved.
For more information, please visit https://www.womensnonprofitnetwork.com/wnad
About Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN)
Founded in February 2024 and officially registered as a Canadian nonprofit in August 2024, the Women’s Nonprofit Network (WNN) exists to break down barriers, amplify voices and advocate for a sector that values and supports the women who sustain it. At a time when rising economic pressures and increasing demands place added strain on nonprofit leaders, WNN is changing the narrative by providing a space for connection, empowerment and action. Our mission is to foster leadership, well-being and community among women in the nonprofit sector, grounded in principles of inclusivity and equity. Our vision is a world where women in nonprofits are empowered to lead, innovate, and drive positive change, where their voices shape decision-making, diverse leadership thrives, and equity is the norm. When women thrive, entire organizations and communities flourish.
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Media Contact:
Aleah Balas