Vision and Mission

Our Vision

Equality in a world free of oppression.

Our Mission

The Nelson & District Women’s Centre promotes the equality and empowerment of women and their children through advocacy, education, and the provision of services and supports that meet their needs. While working for societal change, we endeavour to provide support to all women on their personal journeys, including support for transwomen and gender diverse individuals who may benefit from the unique services offered by the Women’s Centre.

Our Purposes

As a registered charity, we comply with the purposes stated in the WKWA Constitution:

1. To promote and advocate for equitable treatment of all women and gender diverse individuals, in the belief that they have the right to control their social, economic and physical circumstances, including freedom from violence and all forms of discrimination.
2. To welcome and collaborate with women and gender diverse individuals of every race, class, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age and spiritual or political belief.
3. To establish resources and to supply services of a charitable and educational nature to those who use the Women’s Centre.
4. To cooperate with other organizations that have objectives similar to the objectives as the West Kootenay Women’s Association.
5. To operate as a non-profit organization to administer and employ its property, assets and rights for the purpose of promoting or aiding in the promotion of the welfare of all women and gender diverse individuals.
6. To receive, acquire and hold gifts,including donations, legacies and devices, to support the work of the Nelson & District Women’s Centre.

Our Guiding Principles

The Nelson & District Women’s Centre:

• • Is a feminist organization
  • Supports a woman’s right to choice on reproductive control of her own body
  • Supports self-empowerment and fosters consciousness-raising
  • Creates and hosts safe places for women
  • Respects the rights and privacy of participants, staff, volunteers and members.
  • Welcomes all women.
  • Endorses the principle of zero tolerance for gender-based violence.
  • Acts in an environmentally conscious manner.

 

“After a very difficult period of time in my life, the Nelson Women’s Centre became my doorway to re-engaging in the community. It is an understanding and supportive environment that allowed me to regain my confidence and trust in what I have to offer the world.”