Supporting Women Economists Across Canada
CWEN – RFÉ has been building community, advancing careers, and amplifying the voices of women in economics since 1990.
Learn About Our MissionWhat We Offer
Programs and resources designed to strengthen the network of women economists in Canada.
Networking & Luncheons
Paper presentation sessions and luncheons held at annual Canadian Economics Association meetings, fostering connections among women economists.
Young Researcher Award
Established in 2010, this $1,000 prize is awarded every two years to a young woman economist with a primary appointment in Canada, typically within 10 years of her PhD.
Member Resources
Access to tenure advice, job market materials, mentoring resources, and publishing guidance for women economists at all career stages.
Status of Women Reports
Every two years, CWEN/RFÉ conducts a survey on the gender composition of faculty and students in academic economics departments across Canada.
Our Approach
How CWEN/RFÉ advances the representation and success of women in the economics profession.
Create Networking Opportunities
Organizing sessions and luncheons at CEA meetings to connect women economists across institutions and career stages.
Ensure Representation
Advocating for the presence of women economists on conference programs, editorial boards, and policy committees.
Improve Employment Opportunities
Sharing job market materials, tenure advice, and mentoring resources to support career advancement for Canadian women economists.
Measure & Report Progress
Conducting biennial surveys on gender composition in economics departments and publishing findings to track change over time.
Areas of Focus
Key pillars of our work supporting women in the economics profession.
Research Excellence
Recognizing outstanding work by young women economists through the biennial Young Researcher Award.
Professional Development
Resources on tenure, publishing, and the job market tailored to the needs of women economists.
Mentoring & Community
Building lasting connections through luncheons, paper sessions, and informal networking at CEA conferences.
Data & Accountability
Tracking gender composition in economics departments through biennial surveys and published reports.
Why CWEN/RFÉ Matters
A network built by and for women economists, with a track record spanning more than three decades.
Established in 1990
Over three decades of dedicated advocacy and community-building for women in the economics profession in Canada.
National Reach, Bilingual Identity
Serving women economists across all Canadian provinces and territories, with a bilingual name reflecting our inclusive mandate.
The Canadian Women Economists Network brings together professionals from every province and territory, fostering a truly national community united by a shared commitment to advancing women in economics. Our bilingual identity reflects the diverse linguistic and cultural fabric of Canada, ensuring that both English- and French-speaking economists find a welcoming space to connect, collaborate, and grow professionally. This inclusive mandate shapes everything we do, from the events we organize to the resources we share with our members.
Founded decades ago as an independent association, the network has been instrumental in raising awareness about the status of women in the economics profession across Canada. Through ongoing surveys, reports, and data collection efforts, we track representation in academic departments, government agencies, and the private sector. These findings inform our advocacy and help shape conversations about equity, providing a clear picture of both progress made and challenges that remain for female economists nationwide.
Mentoring lies at the heart of our community. We connect early-career economists with experienced professionals who offer guidance on navigating the tenure track, publishing strategies, and the broader academic job market. These relationships often extend beyond formal programming, evolving into lasting professional bonds that strengthen the entire field. By sharing advice and personal experiences, mentors help the next generation build confidence and chart meaningful careers in economics.
Our annual activities include meetings, workshops, and networking events held in conjunction with the Canadian Economics Association conference. These gatherings provide opportunities to present research, exchange ideas, and discuss issues affecting women in the profession. The spring meetings serve as a focal point for the community, bringing together members from across the country to reaffirm shared goals and set priorities for the year ahead.
The network maintains a comprehensive collection of resources designed to support women economists at every career stage. From publishing advice and job market materials to links on navigating workplace dynamics, these tools address the practical needs of our members. We also curate listings of relevant opportunities, grants, and travel awards, helping economists access the funding and platforms they need to advance their research and professional standing.
Recognition plays a vital role in our mission. We administer awards that celebrate outstanding contributions by women economists, including researcher awards and travel grants that enable participation in key conferences. These honors not only spotlight individual achievement but also inspire others by demonstrating the breadth of talent within our community. Each award cycle reinforces the network's commitment to elevating excellence across the profession.
The network operates under a ratified constitution that defines our governance structure, executive positions, and membership framework. Regular meetings of the membership shape our direction, while an elected executive oversees ongoing activities, financial reporting, and strategic planning. This transparent organizational model ensures accountability and allows members to contribute actively to the network's evolution and long-term sustainability.
We maintain close ties with sister organizations such as the American CSWEP, creating a wider international dialogue about women's representation in economics. These connections allow us to share best practices, compare data across borders, and learn from parallel advocacy efforts. By situating Canadian experiences within a global context, the network enriches the conversation and draws on a broader pool of ideas and strategies.
Staying informed is easy through our regular newsletter, which delivers updates on activities, awards, job postings, and news from across the profession. Members also share pictures and stories that capture the spirit of our gatherings. We encourage all those who support the mission of promoting women in economics to get involved, whether by attending events, contributing to surveys, or simply spreading the word within their own departments and communities.
Young Researcher Prize
A $1,000 award established in 2010, recognizing research excellence by early-career women economists with primary appointments in Canada.
Evidence-Driven Advocacy
Biennial surveys on the status of women in the economics profession provide data to inform policy and institutional change.