Our Community Ignited

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.

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.

About the WiDS Scholarship
The WiDS Scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to contributing to Canada’s defence and security sectors.

• Applications open: Monday, November 3, 2025
• Submission deadline: Friday, January 24, 2026, at midnight
• Panel review: February 5–6, 2026
• Winner announced: February 12–13, 2026

The recipient will be honoured live at the 2026 WiDS Annual Awards Breakfast as part of this year’s program.

2026 Theme: Our 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, Our 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 and continues to inspire progress across our nation.