About the Canadian Museum of Women's History

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CMWH will fulfill its role by amplifying the little-known and untold stories of the contributions all women - including pre-colonial women and those who self-identify as women - have made to the lands now known as Canada.

Its mission is to weave strands of women’s history into Canada’s rich and tumultuous narrative, further acknowledging and advancing the role of women in society. 

With the wealth of pertinent information and artifacts available, a museum to preserve and display these will serve this purpose. 

The work of CMWH is grounded in a feminist, gender diverse, anti-racist, and anti-oppression framework, including learning from struggles and movements against racism and other forms of oppression. 

We particularly recognize the impact of colonization and racism on Indigenous girls and women.

The Canadian Museum of Women’s History (CMWH) will fill a void in our country’s current institutional structure by providing a permanent home to accurately recognize the contributions of pre and post-colonial women to our nation.     

A dedicated space to strengthen Canada’s identity and recognize the achievements of trailblazing women, CMWH will be a place to:      

COMMEMORATE

Present an annual program of activities and events celebrating milestones in gender equality and the activists and advocates who led national and international causes in their communities, provinces, and  territories.    

PRESERVE 

Establish a central archive and catalogue of artifacts  

COLLABORATE  

Partner with similar institutions in the development of programs  and solutions to address societal challenges specific to women.

EDUCATE  

Showcase the historical struggles, challenges, achievements, and  successes of women. 

COMMUNICATE

Raise awareness and engage audiences through live events such as exhibit openings, symposiums, and festivals  

INSPIRE 

Recount achievements and stories to inspire and encourage visitors to share their stories.   

TRANSFORM 

Act as a vehicle to enhance Canada’s aspiration as a world leader of human rights.

We aim to see the CMWH operational by 2026. 

CMWH’s business development plan will review a range of revenue-generating initiatives and campaigns around:  

● private sector donations  

● philanthropic contributions  

● larger sponsorships and naming rights 

● support from all levels of government  

● individual donations  

● in-kind opportunities  

● volunteer time and support  

● on-site visitor donations and ticket sales  

● activities and event registrations  

● rental income (administrative spaces rented to women’s organizations)