Stay Informed:

A Community-Driven Movement

Now in its 8th year, International Women’s Month brings together leaders, founders, investors, professionals, and allies from across Ontario, Canada, and around the world.

IWM is more than a series of events. It’s a powerful driver for long-term, sustainable change. United across technology, entrepreneurship, investment, industry, government, academia, research, media, and non-profits, our community is working together to move the dial on equity and opportunity.

Visit events calendar →

Give to Gain: The Power of Reciprocity

The 2026 International Women’s Day global theme, Give to Gain, underscores a universal truth: progress accelerates when we lift each other up.

Rooted in the power of reciprocity, Give to Gain highlights how mentorship, sponsorship, allyship, and shared opportunity create compounding benefits, not only for individuals, but for organizations, communities, and entire economies. It reflects a shift away from transactional approaches to gender equality toward relational ones, where giving time, knowledge, visibility, and support ultimately advances everyone.

Learn more about the global impact of International Women’s Month →

Yoobin Lee, France Hébert, Justine Hendricks, Denyse Nadon, Sarah Sedgman who are featured leaders for international women's month

Get Involved

Join us in celebrating and empowering women this International Women’s Month. Whether you’re looking to participate in events, host your own, or become an advocate for women’s rights and achievements, there are many ways to get involved. Here are some options:

  • Explore our events calendar: Dive into a range of events happening throughout International Women’s Month. From webinars to workshops, there’s something for everyone. Visit the Calendar →
  • Host and promote your own event: Hosting an event? We’d love to hear it and help you promote it! Share details with us, and let’s make it happen. Submit the details of your event →
  • Stay updated: Don’t miss out on any updates or announcements. Subscribe to our mailing list and get the latest news about International Women’s Month straight to your inbox. Sign up for our mailing list →

We are here for all women


When we use the term ‘women,’ we refer to all individuals who identify as women. This includes women of colour, transgender women, and women with gender-diverse identities, including non-binary and gender non-conforming women (as we know that gender is fluid and can change throughout one’s lifetime). These women have historically and systemically been excluded from many mainstream programs, services, and opportunities. Invest Ottawa is making a concerted effort to prioritize equity, access, and inclusion in everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that anyone who would like to access our programs and services truly feels welcome and supported.

Information is power

Our mission is to help create a critical mass of successful women leaders from every walk of life who significantly impact our economy and society. To achieve this, it’s essential to reflect on where we are today.

Here is some of what we know:

31.2%

is the average gender gap that remains to be closed globally.

World Economic Forum, Global Gender Gap Report 2025

2.1%

of venture capital raised in Q1 2023 was raised by female founders.

TechCrunch Market Analysis

7%

of C-Suite executives are women of colour.

McKinsey & Company

13.5%

the percentage of venture capital partners that are women.

The Untapped Potential of Women-Led Funds, Women in VC

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It will take all of us

working together to advance

the status of women.

Ways to get involved

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Host an event and promote it here.

Submit the details of your event →

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Have updates sent straight to your inbox.

Sign up for our mailing list →

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Become an ambassador. Share our message.

Social Media Kit is coming soon!

Thank you to our 2025 IWM Sponsors

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BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund

 

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Calian

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Organized in part based on core contributions from

 

 

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Thank you to our 2025 IWM Sponsors

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Reach more people

You're hosting an event or initiative, or maybe an application deadline is approaching. Whatever it is, our community should know about it. Send us the details through our online form, and we'll promote it in our calendar and through our email blast.