WiDS began with a spark, an idea to bring together women and men from across Canada’s defence and security community to recognize, elevate, and celebrate women’s contributions to our shared mission of national service.

On March 12, 2026, we’ll honour that spark and the extraordinary community it ignited. This year’s Annual Awards Breakfast returns to the Rogers Centre and will be broadcast live to a virtual audience nationwide. Together, we’ll reflect on two decades of progress and prepare for a future of leadership, mentorship, and collaboration.

This year’s celebration will feature the presentation of the WiDS Mentor of the Year Award, a new Allyship Award, the WiDS & Canadian Global Affairs Institute Fellowship, and a $10,000 WiDS Scholarship supporting the next generation of leaders in defence and security.

2026 Theme: A Community Ignited
Defence and security are central to Canada’s future, and women’s voices are shaping that future in vital, visible ways.
This year’s theme, A Community Ignited, celebrates the energy that fuels WiDS: women and allies who lift each other, share knowledge, spark bold ideas, and lead with purpose. Together, we form a community that burns bright, one that continues to inspire progress across our nation and around the world.