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It’s Federal Election time!

This Canadian federal election is more than a political moment—it’s a chance to stand up for equity, inclusion, and justice.

Voting is a feminist act. It’s how we protect our rights, demand better representation, and push for real change—for everyone. That means fighting for pay equity, accessible childcare, reproductive justice, safety from gender-based violence, and full recognition of trans and 2SLGBTQ+ rights.

Because gender equality isn’t negotiable. Trans rights are human rights. And every vote is a stand for the future we deserve.

🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈 From the streets to the ballot box, our power multiplies when we show up.

✅ Get informed. Get involved. Get out and VOTE.

You can vote in Nelson, BC, this April 28th from 7am-7pm at Wildflower School, V1L 1N8. This is a chance to support your community and vote for what really matters to you.

To get to know your candidates better, you can drop in to the The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday April 23 from 5 to 7 pm. They will host an all-candidate meet and greet at the Adventure Hotel banquet room! 

For more information on the election, political parties, and policies you can visit:

WEDNESDAY DROP-IN IS BACK

Although it’s going to look a little different than before…

The focus during Wednesday Drop-in will be on learning new skills and accommodate peoples varied availability.

We’ll be conducting surveys to see what activities people
would like to see available and at what time…

Art? Music? Poetry? Knitting? Advocacy talks? Feminist discussions?

Come on down on Wednesdays, starting March 12th between 11am -3pm!

GIRL POWER: AN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION AND FUNDRAISER

It’s March and we are getting geared up to host our International Women’s Day Celebration on Saturday March 8th at 7pm till Late at The Royal!

Prepare for a nostalgic variety show and dance party hosted by the hilarious duo Ruth and Shelby! There will be everything from burlesque to rollerskating to musical performances happening on stage….and off stage there will be a raffle with amazing prizes, a friendship bracelet station, a costume competition, select beers and a photo-booth to memorialize the night for you and your chosen “girl power squad!” Bring your friends, your family and your neighbor!

Arrive at 7pm, you won’t want to miss a thing! We will be asking for a donation at the door on a sliding scale from $5 to $10+ and if you’re riding on good times we would love a little extra support! All proceeds spent on entry, raffle, bracelets, and select beers will go towards supporting the Nelson & District Women’s Centre.

The Nelson & District Women’s Centre programming provides safe space, support, free resources, referrals, and engagement opportunities for all women, gender diverse individuals and their children! We are so grateful to the generous donations that help keep our centre open and supporting our community members.

This year the International Women’s Day theme is #Accelerate Action

This is such an exciting theme to the folks at the West Kootenay Women’s Association because over the last 3 years we have been restructuring and stabilizing in order to be a leader and a support pillar for our community in the mission to fight for gender equality and equity. As a community we have the opportunity to collectively Accelerate Action towards a society that embraces gender equality and equity for all people!

According to data collected by the World Economic Forum, “At [our] current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity.”

Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.

Make a donation TO GIRL POWER INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FUNDRAISER

Are you looking for another way to support the our mission of Gender equality? Sign up to be a member of our organization! As a member you have a voice in the direction we go and what projects we choose to focus on!

Sign up to become a Member!

Do have a little extra time on your hands and want to give back to the community? we are also looking for dynamic and passionate individuals to volunteer, join a Committee, or sit on the Board of directors. These are exciting opportunities to be a crucial part of growing one of Nelson’s most established and vital non-profits. WKWA operates the oldest rural Women’s Centre in Canada and we are committed to a journey of inclusion, meeting our community’s evolving needs, and delivering world-class programming.

Apply to join the Board of Directors!

Apply to join a Committee!

Sign up to Volunteer

NEW: Youth Drop-in Program

With Great excitement we are happy to announce we will be launching a Youth Drop-in Program in 2025! This Program is possible thanks to the Telus Community Boards Grant.

Youth Drop-in will provide youth aged 11 to 14 a safe space after school, in a supportive and inclusive environment to learn, connect, and navigate challenges they may be experiencing.

We will be focused primarily on supporting marginalized youth including those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, BIPOC, visible minorities, living with a disability, or experiencing poverty.

Youth Drop-in will be a safe and soft landing space to seek support if you are experiencing bullying, harassment, abuse, or neglect.

Stay Tunes for details!

-NDWC Team

Solstice Celebration

It’s that time of year again! Join us at the Nelson & District Women’s Centre to celebrate the changing of the seasons.

As the snow starts to blanket our town we, at the Women’s Centre, are reflecting on these thoughtful words:

“The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear.” – Rumi

We continue to strive to listen to the natural world and to the understandings of others in order to gain a deeper understanding of compassion, empathy, respect, and reciprocity.

We will be holding this years festivities across two days:

Tuesday December 17th, 2024: 11am to 3pm

Festive beverages and a solstice meal at the Women’s Centre with live music from local musician Catbird – get ready to feel festive!

Thursday December 19th, 2024: 12pm to 2pm

Our annual Solstice gift Shop! Come and choose a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself!