Interior Women's Centre Society

At the Interior Women’s Centre, we are committed to raising awareness and taking action on the issues that impact women’s equity and equality. While we provide essential resources and support to women in need, our work goes far beyond crisis response. We are building community connections, fostering lasting relationships, and actively educating the public on systemic barriers while championing real, community-rooted solutions. We walk alongside women and femme-identifying individuals across BC’s Interior, supporting their journeys, whether we are helping women out of poverty and toward healthier, more empowered futures or overcoming isolation and building community. Since 2023, we have led with a holistic, trauma-informed approach that promotes and provides tools for economic advancement, self-advocacy, and collective healing and growth. Whether we are advocating in the legislature, creating programs that nurture wellness and leadership, or simply holding space for connection, we are here to ensure our communities are stronger, more just, and equitable for all. We Achieve Our Mission By: Educating Advocating Taking Action

The Interior Women's Centre Society (IWCS) was founded in October 2023 by two women who, after experiencing workplace violence and personal struggles, decided to take action and create a supportive space for women in Kamloops and later across the Interior. Their vision was to establish a low-barrier, volunteer-driven hub that would provide accessible resources and services to women, girls, and femme-identifying individuals in the community. Initially launched as an employment solutions agency, the IWCS quickly expanded its offerings to include a range of programs aimed at empowering women and fostering community connection. These programs include the HEART Program, the WORK Program, and the STEPP Program. Through these initiatives, the IWCS provides support in areas such as employment coaching, economic education, and personal development. The IWCS operates with a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that all women can access the support they need without unnecessary barriers. The organization is entirely volunteer-based and funded through public and private donations, as well as grants, such as the 2025 Social and Community Development Grant provided by the City of Kamloops. Through its grassroots approach and unwavering dedication to supporting women, the Interior Women's Centre Society has become a vital resource in Kamloops, embodying the founders' belief that women’s centre spaces are needed and that every woman deserves a space to heal, grow, and thrive. The focus has shifted to support communities with re-opening and opening new women’s centres, as well as supporting current women’s centres in the Interior that are still operating.