IWD 2025: How Kin Canada Accelerates Action for Women & Girls

March 8, 2025 marks International Women’s Day and the theme is “Accelerate Action”.

Accelerate Action is a worldwide call to acknowledge strategies, resources, and activity that positively impact women's advancement, and to support and elevate their implementation. Significant barriers to gender equality remain, yet with the right action and support, positive progress can be made for women everywhere. Kin Canada, a family-friendly service organization with hundreds of clubs across the country, is proud to offer supportive spaces for women and girls to learn leadership, decision, and business skills.

Kin members and volunteers enjoy countless opportunities for skill development through local event coordination, revenue generation activities, club administration, capacity building, marketing, communications, and more.

“We have built an incredible, supportive environment in Kin that allows for all members to grow. The mentorship I have received from within Kin has allowed me to be the leader I am today, both within Kin and in my career,” says Vicki Andrews, a National Director with Kin Canada’s board.

Opportunities exist across Canada for women seeking to pursue formal leadership roles at the local, regional, and national levels of Kin Canada – helping Accelerate Action through volunteerism from coast to coast.

Celebrating a Predominantly Female Leadership in Kin

Kin Canada is proud to have a predominately women-led leadership, particularly at the Association’s highest leadership levels.

2025 Statistics:

63% of Kin Canada’s current National Board of Directors are women (7 of 11 members)
Since 2015, 63% Kin Canada’s National Presidents (most senior leadership role) have been women (7 of 11 Presidents)
- Current President, Marley Hanishewsky, is the youngest female to ever hold the role
60% of Kin Canada’s regional leadership roles are held by women (District Executive Councils)
85% of Kin Canada’s paid staff (managing national operations departments) are women (6 of 7 employees)
85% of Board of Trustees members for the Kin Canada Bursaries Program are women (6 of 7), including the Chair.
100% of Kin Canada’s 9 District Service Directors are women

“There isn't a glass ceiling in Kin. The only limits are how bravely we lead,” says Amanda Naughton-Gale, Past National President (PNP) of Kin Canada.

While the above statistics note women in formal Kin Canada leadership positions, there are also thousands of other women volunteers across Canada taking on informal leadership roles within their clubs and communities. Girls also learn and lead through Kin, as many children and teens join volunteer activities (like events, fundraising, and hands-on community projects) with their families. This International Women’s Day, Kin Canada proudly celebrates ever woman and girl who makes an impact through Kin Canada volunteerism.

Empowering and Elevating the Next Generation of Kin Canada Leaders

As a Kin Canada member inspired by other strong women leaders during her time with the Association, National President (NP) Marley Hanishewsky often considers how to empower and elevate the next generation of volunteer leaders, particularly young women.

“Throughout my Kin career, I have strived to be the role model I would have liked to look up to – it matters to be seen and heard. Even in today’s world we are striving towards the fight for equality. I think it’s important for women to stand up for equality and equity and for our male counterparts to stand beside us. I have been fortunate enough to be in a Kin Canada club that strives for equality and to have men join the fight with us. I am proud to be where I am as a woman leader today and I will define my success by how many younger women come after me,” she says.

When asked which fellow Kin Canada members inspire her, NP Marley says she has been supported and inspired by her mom, Lesley Hanishewsky, PNP Erin Thomson, and PNP Jennifer Burry.

“My mom is influential in my Kin journey. She is a great leader. PNP Erin led with brilliance, dignity, and positivity. And PNP Jennifer has really inspired me. We both started leading at a younger age and have had similar experiences; I look up to her a lot,” says NP Marley.

Reflections About Being a Woman Leader in Kin Canada

When asked to share insights about their leadership experience, Kin Canada’s National Board of Directors offered the following:

“From the moment I joined Kin, I was surrounded by strong, impactful women. Watching them take on leadership roles that allowed them to shine and grow this organization was an inspiration.” ~ Wendy Rolfe, National Director

“It is incredibly fulfilling to sit in a boardroom where my worth as a woman is never in doubt. I am proud to contribute to creating an inclusive environment where everyone’s strengths are recognized and celebrated.” ~ Corinne Mathews, National Director

“I am immensely proud to stand alongside such dedicated and inspiring women. Together, we are breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and driving meaningful change." ~ Tammy Allan, National Director

“Leadership is not just about holding positions—it’s about making an impact, lifting others, and creating opportunities for growth. As we celebrate today, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering women, fostering inclusivity, and championing the next generation of leaders.” ~ Debbie Flagg, National Secretary

Today, and every day, Kin Canada is proud to have strong and dedicated women leading in different ways at all levels of the Association and commits to continue Accelerating Action to increase equality for women and girls within Canada and beyond.

About Kin Canada

Kin Canada is a vibrant network of volunteers dedicated to making positive impacts across the country. With hundreds of clubs and thousands of members, we empower individuals to identify and address the unique needs of their local communities.

Since 1920, Kin Canada clubs have invested more than $1 billion dollars and countless volunteer hours into Canadian communities.

Service organizations like Kin Canada are pillars in communities nationwide, often filling gaps, supporting other local community-focused organizations, building new community infrastructure, and creating opportunities for community connection and recreation.

Learn more about getting involved with Kin Canada