Interior Women’s Leadership Network
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The Interior Women’s Leadership Network (IWLN) is a dynamic coalition uniting thought leaders, stakeholders, researchers, workers, community members, and survivors to address issues impacting women across BC’s Interior. Our mission is to foster advocacy, inform policy, and promote equity through collaboration and research. As a trusted voice, we aim to be a key advisory body for government on policy development, funding decisions, and critical issues affecting women in the region.
IWLN is dedicated to bringing cutting-edge research to the Interior, spearheading regional advocacy initiatives, and collaborating on projects and funding opportunities that advance women's equity. We host monthly meetings, supported by subcommittees driving advocacy planning, and hold an annual in-person gathering to strengthen connections and celebrate progress. Together, we are building a powerful network for change in BC’s Interior.
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The Interior Women’s Leadership Network (IWLN) works to address and advance women’s equity across BC’s Interior by:
Building Advocacy: We collaborate on advocacy initiatives that amplify women’s voices and influence policy, ensuring our region's priorities are represented in government decision-making.
Informing Policy: We act as a trusted advisory group for government, offering feedback on policies, funding allocations, and key issues that affect women and communities.
Promoting Research: We bring relevant research to BC’s Interior, using data to inform decisions, guide our advocacy efforts, and shape initiatives that promote equity.
Collaboration: We partner with stakeholders, community members, and organizations to advance regional projects and funding opportunities that directly impact women and their families.
Engagement: Through monthly meetings and focused subcommittees, we drive strategic planning, share insights, and align efforts across the network.
Connection & Celebration: We host an annual in-person gathering to build relationships, celebrate achievements, and foster a stronger sense of community among our members.
By uniting diverse voices, we work to create meaningful change for women in BC’s Interior.
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We are actively organizing the network, and inviting collaborators who are interested in partnering on research initiatives looking at issues that impact women across BC’s Interior. If you are interested in supporting a collaborative project, please email kathleen@interiorwomenscentre.org
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We are currently planning the Kamloops Women’s March. If interested in taking part on the planning table, email kathleen@interiorwomenscentre.org
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2025 Regional Women’s March
2024 International Overdose Awareness Day
National Victims of Crime Week
May 11 - 17, 2025
In Partnership with Justice Canada, join us in raising awareness of Women, Girls, & Femme-Identifying Individuals who have been impacted by violence within our communities.
Theme: The Power of Collaboration
In recognition of National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, we are proud to host a week-long community art exhibit and awareness series centered on the impact of crime on women and girls in the BC Interior. This powerful initiative will spotlight critical issues such as gender-based violence, missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), and human trafficking, while amplifying the voices of survivors through collaborative storytelling, art, and dialogue.
Project Highlights
At the heart of the event is a community-designed and developed art installation—created by and for victims and survivors of crime. This powerful piece will serve as a symbolic and emotional centerpiece of the week, showcasing lived experiences, healing journeys, and a collective call for change.
To gather stories and foster creative participation, we will host two Healing Art Circles—safe, supportive spaces where individuals can engage in artistic expression, reflection, and community care. These circles will inform the final installation and deepen the emotional resonance of the exhibit.
Week-at-a-Glance
Opening Launch & Panel Discussion: The week will begin with a community panel and partner tabling event, bringing together survivors, advocates, legal professionals, and community organizations to foster dialogue and raise awareness.
Human Rights Café Launch: Midweek, we will launch our Human Rights Café, focusing on civic liberties, justice, and policy reform, particularly as they relate to the human rights of women and girls impacted by violence and systemic barriers.
Ongoing Exhibit: The art installation, along with works of weaving, photography, and audio recordings, will be displayed in a local venue throughout the week, offering space for learning, empathy, and connection.
Closing Celebration: To conclude the week, we will host a private wrap-up celebration for all project participants. This gathering will feature reflections from the lead artist and team, a message from the project lead on raising awareness for injustices toward women, and the opportunity to view the completed art piece together. A thank-you gift will be provided to all who contributed, as a gesture of appreciation for their courage and collaboration.
Why This Matters
Violence against women, human trafficking, and systemic racism continue to disproportionately affect women—especially Indigenous women—in the BC Interior. This event responds to a critical gap in education, outreach, and survivor-centered support, using creative expression and multidisciplinary collaboration as tools for transformation.
By weaving together art, advocacy, healing, and collaboration, this project offers a profound opportunity for awareness, transformation, and community-led healing.
Interested in getting involved? Email awareness@interiorwomenscentre.org
