Links and Resources

BPW Websites

Explore Business and Professional Women (BPW) organizations, mentorship initiatives, and leadership networks at the local, national, and international levels.

  • BPW International – A global federation advancing women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and gender equality through advocacy, networking, and capacity building.
  • BPW Canada – National coordination of BPW clubs across Canada, leading advocacy initiatives on issues such as economic equity, human trafficking, and women’s rights.
  • BPW Ontario – Provincial network supporting leadership development, advocacy, and programs such as the Mentorship: Women Strengthening Women initiative.
  • Young BPW Canada – A platform for emerging leaders to engage in advocacy, professional development, and global networking.
  • Young BPW International – Global youth leadership network supporting the next generation of women leaders.
  • Canadian Coalition to Empower Women (CCEW) – A national initiative spearheaded by BPW Canada to advance gender equality through collaboration, research, and advocacy.
  • BPW North America – Regional collaboration among BPW affiliates to strengthen advocacy and leadership across North America.
  • BPW USA – National federation supporting women’s leadership and professional advancement in the United States.
  • BPW British Columbia & Yukon – Regional organization supporting advocacy, networking, and leadership development.
  • BPW New Brunswick – Provincial and local leadership opportunities focused on advocacy and professional networking.
  • BPW Quebec – Regional network supporting women’s leadership and professional engagement in Quebec.

Legal & Advocacy

Access trusted organizations working to advance women’s legal rights, pay equity, economic justice, and gender equality in Canada and globally.

  • Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) – A national organization advancing gender equality through litigation, law reform, and public education.
  • National Association of Women and the Law (NAWL) – A feminist legal advocacy organization working to achieve substantive equality for women through legal analysis, research, and public policy advocacy.
  • Canadian Women’s Foundation – Canada’s public foundation for gender justice, supporting programs, advocacy, and research to advance women’s economic security and safety.
  • Canadian Human Rights Commission – Promotes equality and protects individuals from discrimination through enforcement of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
  • Equal Pay Coalition – A coalition of unions, women’s organizations, and community groups advocating to eliminate gender pay discrimination through legislation, collective bargaining, and public awareness.
  • Ontario Pay Equity Office – Provides guidance, education, and enforcement to ensure equal pay for work of equal value in Ontario workplaces.
  • Single Seniors for Tax Fairness (SSTF) – A national advocacy initiative addressing inequities in taxation and retirement income security affecting single seniors, particularly women.
  • UN Women – The United Nations entity dedicated to advancing gender equality and empowering women worldwide through global policy leadership and program implementation.

Career, STEM & Leadership

Discover organizations, programs, and networks that support women and girls in STEM, entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional advancement.

  • The WIT (Women in Technology) Network – A global non-profit organization encouraging women and girls to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • Tech Together – Supports women and non-binary individuals in technology through hackathons, networking, and career development initiatives.
  • We Build a Dream – Provides programs that help women and girls explore under-represented careers, particularly in skilled trades, STEM, and emerging industries.
  • Mitacs Women in STEM – Supports women in research and innovation through funding, internships, and professional development opportunities.
  • Girls Who Code – An international initiative working to close the gender gap in technology through coding education, mentorship, and community programs.
  • Young Women in Business – A professional community supporting emerging women leaders through networking, mentorship, and career development initiatives.
  • ATHENA International – A global organization dedicated to developing, supporting, and recognizing women leaders through leadership programs and awards.
  • Women of Influence+ – Provides leadership programs, recognition initiatives, and professional development resources to advance women in business.
  • Canadian Association of Women Executives and Entrepreneurs (CAWEE) – Supports women entrepreneurs and executives through mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy.
  • Canadian Small Business Women – A network supporting women entrepreneurs with business growth resources, community connections, and visibility opportunities.
  • Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce – Advocates for women-owned businesses and promotes inclusive economic policy through research, training, and business support.
  • Women’s Business Enterprise Canada Council (WBE Canada) – Connects women-owned businesses with corporate and public sector procurement opportunities.
  • Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) – A national network providing research, resources, and policy insights to support women entrepreneurs in Canada.
  • Futurpreneur Women Entrepreneurs – Offers financing, mentorship, and business support programs for young women entrepreneurs across Canada.
  • Canadian Women in Public Relations – A professional network supporting women in communications through mentorship, leadership programs, and industry recognition.
  • Canadian Women in Food – A national community supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals in the food and beverage sector.

Support & Safety

If you or someone you know needs support, the following organizations provide confidential assistance, crisis services, legal information, and community resources for women, seniors, newcomers, and families.

  • ShelterSafe Ontario – A Canada-wide online tool that helps women find nearby shelters and crisis services. Many shelters provide counselling, safety planning, and referrals whether or not you stay in residence.
  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline – A 24-hour confidential crisis line offering support, safety planning, and referrals for women experiencing abuse.
  • Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres – A network of community-based centres offering confidential support, crisis intervention, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence.
  • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline – A confidential national hotline providing support, referrals, and resources for victims and survivors of human trafficking.
  • Victim Services Ontario – Provides immediate assistance, crisis intervention, and referrals for victims of crime.
  • Family Court Support Worker Program – Offers direct assistance to survivors of domestic violence navigating family court processes.
  • Legal Aid Ontario – Provides legal information, advice, and representation for eligible individuals in areas including family law, immigration, and criminal law.
  • 211 Ontario – A free, confidential service that connects individuals to local community, social, and government support programs.
  • Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario – Provides information, education, and referral services to address elder abuse and support older adults and caregivers.
  • Senior Safety Line – A 24-hour crisis and support line dedicated to older adults experiencing abuse or neglect.
  • Working Women Community Centre – A women-focused settlement agency supporting newcomers through employment programs, counselling, and community services.
  • Malton Women Council – A community organization providing social services, support programs, and advocacy for women and families in the Peel Region.

Safety, Legal & Crisis Sources

These trusted resources provide safety planning tools, legal information, and specialized support for women experiencing abuse or navigating complex legal situations.

  • Assaulted Women’s Helpline – A 24-hour confidential crisis line offering emotional support, safety planning, and referrals. Services are available in multiple languages. Phone: 1-866-863-0511 | TTY: 1-833-286-9865
  • DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN Canada) – Provides information and a directory of crisis hotlines, with a focus on supporting women and gender-diverse people with disabilities.
  • Family Court and Beyond – A practical survival workbook and resource hub for women preparing to leave or navigating abusive relationships and the legal system.
  • Online Safety Tips – Guidance on protecting digital privacy and personal safety when planning to leave or navigating an abusive situation.
  • Steps to Justice – Plain-language legal information about abuse, family violence, and legal rights in Ontario.
  • Luke’s Place – Provides legal information, training, and resources focused on improving the safety of women and children navigating the family law system.
  • Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) – Offers clear legal information resources, publications, and tools on family law, housing, employment, and safety.
  • Ontario Women’s Justice Network – Provides accessible legal information, education, and resources related to violence against women and the justice system.
  • Legal Aid Ontario – Domestic Violence Services – Provides legal advice, representation, and specialized supports for survivors of domestic violence.
  • Immigrant Women Services (Legal & Safety Resources) – Provides culturally responsive legal and safety resources for immigrant and refugee women experiencing abuse.

Health, Reproductive Rights & Wellness

Access trusted resources on reproductive health, women’s wellness, healthy ageing, and environmental health risks.

Resources & Information

  • Archives of Ontario – Provincial Government information resource: 77 Grenville Street, Unit 300, Toronto, ON M5S 1B3