Women in Governance

What Women in Governance does

Women in Governance is a Montreal-based non-profit organization founded in 2010 by Caroline Codsi that supports women's career advancement and helps organizations close the gender gap in the workplace. The organization operates through three core product lines: (1) the Parity Certification program — a trademarked, multi-tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) organizational certification originally co-developed with McKinsey & Company in 2017 and assessed with support from Accenture, Mercer, and WTW, now offered in Canada, the United States, Europe, and for SMEs; (2) a structured 12-month Mentorship Program pairing women professionals with senior executives and board members; and (3) governance and leadership training programs developed primarily with the Institut sur la gouvernance d'organisations privées et publiques (IGOPP), including 'Les incontournables' (a six-workshop program with 400+ graduates since 2018) and standalone workshops on Impostor Syndrome, Strategic Networking, Impactful Communication, and Career Advancement.

The business model is hybrid non-profit, combining recurring subscription revenue (individual memberships at $195/year and bundled corporate memberships of 10, 25, or 50 seats), one-time program fees (training at $2,490 per participant, mentoring at $3,000), certification assessment fees from participating organizations, and event-based revenue from the flagship Annual Recognition Galas in Montreal and Toronto. Distribution combines direct-to-consumer online enrollment with partner-led channels through professional associations (Ordre des CRHA, HRPA, Ordre des CPA, Barreau du Québec, Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec) that recognize training for continuing education credits. The organization reports that more than 1,000,000 employees now work for Parity Certified organizations across North America, and founder Caroline Codsi's Impostor Syndrome training on LinkedIn Learning has reached nearly 80,000 subscribers globally.

The organization is governed by Caroline Codsi as President and Chief Equity Officer, with an Advisory Committee composed of senior executives from National Bank of Canada, TMX Group, Lavery, and Hoskin & Harcourt LLP. Headcount is not publicly disclosed, no funding rounds are reported, and the organization is not venture-backed — operating instead on earned revenue from memberships, programs, certification fees, and corporate sponsorships.

Name

Women in Governance

Legal name

Women in Governance

Website

https://womeningovernance.world

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Women in Governance is a Montreal-based non-profit that advances women's leadership through Parity Certification (organizational EDI assessment), a structured 12-month mentorship program, and governance training co-developed with IGOPP. It serves women professionals and corporate clients across Canada, the US, and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Development and Gender Parity Certification

NAICS

Professional Organizations (813920), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment (BPAGABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Gender Equality & Women’s Rights (BPADAGAF), Safeguarding, Accountability & Compliance (ESG, Gender/GBV, Do No Harm) (BPADAEAM)

Keywords

• Gender parity certification
• Women's leadership development
• Governance training programs
• Professional mentorship programs
• Workplace diversity certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Individual memberships at $195/year plus bundled corporate memberships offering 10-50 seats at discounted rates.
2. Governance Training Programs: Revenue from governance training programs including 'Les incontournables' at $2,490 per participant, with early bird discounts available. Over 400 graduates since 2018.
3. Mentoring Program: Complete 12-month mentorship program at $3,000 + taxes, including personalized mentor-mentee matching and access to four professional development workshops.
4. Parity Certification: Certification fees from organizations seeking Parity Certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum levels).
5. Event Sponsorships and Tickets: Revenue from Annual Recognition Galas and other events through ticket sales and corporate sponsorships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Women in Governance is a non-profit organization that advances women in career advancement, leadership development, and board placement through a portfolio of paid services. Core offerings include the Parity Certification™ (assessment and tiered certification for organizations pursuing gender parity, available for large organizations and SMEs), a structured 12-month Mentorship Program, and French-language governance training programs (Les incontournables, Les thématiques actuelles) developed with IGOPP, supplemented by standalone workshops on Imposter Syndrome, Strategic Networking, Impactful Communication, and Career Advancement, plus membership programs and annual Recognition Galas.

Product overview

Women in Governance is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on advancing gender parity in the workplace. The core offerings include the Parity Certification (available for large organizations and SMEs, across Canada, the US, and Europe), a structured Mentorship Program (12-month mentor-mentee matches with four included workshops), and Governance Training programs developed with IGOPP — including 'Les incontournables' (a six-workshop foundational program) and 'Les thématiques actuelles' (current governance challenges). Supplementary standalone workshops cover Imposter Syndrome, Strategic Networking & the Power of Influence, Impactful Communication and Personal Branding, and Take Your Career to the Next Level. The organization also runs Annual Recognition Galas in Montreal and Toronto, luncheon conferences, and Parity Forums. Memberships (individual and bundled) provide access to exclusive events and training discounts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Parity Certification: A groundbreaking certification program (launched 2017) that helps organizations increase the representation of women in sectors where they have been historically underrepresented, as well as in senior management positions. The only North American certification dedicated to gender parity.

Products and services

• Parity Certification A North American certification program (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum levels) assessing and recognizing organizations' commitment to gender parity, diversity, and inclusion, with attention to intersectionality for women of color, Indigenous women, LGBTQ2S+ women, and women with disabilities. Application assessment is supported by Accenture, Mercer, and WTW.
• Parity Certification for SMEs Certification program specifically designed for small and medium enterprises to advance gender parity in the workplace, adapted to SME context.
• Mentorship Program Structured 12-month mentorship pairing ambitious women with experienced mentors (CEOs, board members, senior executives), including four professional development workshops. The Complete Mentorship Program is priced at $3,000 + taxes.
• Les incontournables (Governance Training) A six-workshop governance training program developed with IGOPP covering strategic issues, legal duties, board presidency, financial models, dynamic boards, and a CA simulation. Priced at $2,490 per participant with maximum 25 participants per cohort. Offered in French only.
• Les thématiques actuelles (Governance Training) A series of governance workshops addressing current challenges and topics for creating value-driven governance, developed with IGOPP. Available in French only.
• Imposter Syndrome Training Workshop An in-person workshop helping participants build self-confidence, strengthen leadership, and overcome imposter syndrome, animated by Caroline Codsi. $243 per member, $325 per non-member; three registrations earn one free.
• Strategic Networking and the Power of Influence Workshop A workshop helping participants turn their network into a strategic lever for influence and opportunity, building meaningful relationships and accessing the right circles. Priced at $243 per participant, including networking breakfast.
• Impactful Communication and Personal Branding Workshop A workshop covering executive communication (with former journalist Cindy Royer) and personal branding via LinkedIn (with Frank Bernard), helping leaders communicate with impact and develop a strong professional presence. Priced at $243 per participant.
• Take Your Career to the Next Level Workshop A workshop helping participants develop leadership posture, recognize their value, build strategic networks, increase visibility and influence, and navigate power dynamics to advance their careers. Priced at $243 per participant.
• Individual Membership Annual membership providing privileged access to exclusive events, a 15% discount on special programming, and a 5% discount on governance training. Priced at $195 per year.
• Bundled Corporate Memberships Organizational bundled membership options providing 10, 25, or 50 individual memberships at discounted rates (10 seats for the price of 8, 25 seats for the price of 20, 50 seats for the price of 40), potentially including an exclusive virtual event.
• Annual Recognition Galas Flagship annual gala events held in Montreal and Toronto celebrating organizations awarded Parity Certification, featuring high-profile speakers and corporate networking opportunities. Ticketed and sponsored events.
• Events and Networking Activities Wide array of events including luncheons, panels, forums, fireside chats, and networking cocktails featuring renowned thought-leaders and inspiring speakers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000,000 employees now work for Parity Certified organizations in Canada and the United States
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mercer CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParity Certification partner supporting assessment of applications. Also a presenting partner for governance training programs and workshop sponsor. Mercer Canada President Teresa Palandra serves as Honorary Co-President of 2026 Toronto Gala.
• WTW (Willis Towers Watson)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParity Certification partner supporting assessment of applications alongside Accenture and Mercer. Annual partner for Recognition Galas.
• AccenturecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting WiG team in assessment of Parity Certification applications. Bronze sponsor of 2024 Montreal Gala.
• IGOPP (Institut sur la gouvernance d'organisations privées et publiques)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed governance training program 'Les incontournables' with over 400 graduates since 2018. Content powered by IGOPP for governance training programs.
• McKinsey & CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided pro-bono support in developing the Parity Certification program in 2017.
• The Board ListminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner for access to women on boards, helping connect trained professionals with board opportunities.
• Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting partner for governance training programs. Annual partner supporting Women in Governance initiatives.
• Ordre des CRHA (Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner recognizing governance training for continuing education credits.
• HRPA (Human Resources Professionals Association)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner recognizing governance training for continuing education credits.
• Ordre des CPA du QuébecminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner recognizing governance training for continuing education credits.
• The Globe and MailminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual partner and media partner providing press coverage and visibility.
• Air CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual partner providing travel support and visibility.
• LinkedIn LearningminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlatform hosting Caroline Codsi's Impostor Syndrome and other training courses, reaching nearly 80,000 subscribers globally.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Lean In: Founded by Sheryl Sandberg, a globally recognized nonprofit empowering women through Circles, education, and corporate partnerships. Comparable in mission and content-driven education, but with far larger global brand recognition.
• YWCA Canada: Long-established Canadian nonprofit advancing gender equality through advocacy, programs, and services. Shares WiG's nonprofit gender-equity mission and Canadian footprint but operates a broader social-service portfolio.

Emerging players

• The Boardroom: Membership platform connecting senior executive women with board opportunities. Closely comparable to WiG's governance training and The Board List partnership for board placement.

Regional players

• Catalyst Canada: Canadian arm of Catalyst focused on Canadian corporate gender parity initiatives. Direct comparable in the Canadian market for corporate DEI benchmarking and certification-style assessments.

Direct peers

• Catalyst: Global nonprofit dedicated to advancing women in the workplace through research, advisory, and inclusion programs. Closest comparable in mission, scale, and B2B certification/benchmarking orientation, with a similar membership-and-events model.
• Ellevate Network: Global professional women's network offering mentorship, events, and skill-building. Comparable membership-based monetization model targeting women professionals at all career stages.
• 30% Club: Global campaign organization focused on increasing female representation on corporate boards and senior leadership. Directly competes with WiG's board/governance training and Parity Certification in the board diversity space.
• International Women's Forum (IWF): Global membership organization of women leaders across sectors and geographies. Overlaps with WiG's mentoring and peer-networking offerings for senior executive women.
• Women's Executive Network (WXN): Canadian membership network for female executives offering networking, awards, and leadership development. Operates in the same Canadian market with a comparable membership-plus-events monetization model.

Others

• KPMG Women's Leadership Summit (and similar corporate DEI programs): Big-4 and consulting firm DEI advisory practices that increasingly deliver parity assessments and certifications. Represents a channel competitor and potential partner for WiG's certification assessment work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/women_gov
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC82OKev5AWAj6VmZftC4LDw
• Facebookfacebook.com/women.gov
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/groups?viewMembers=&gid=8209764&sik=1431689084350
• Instagraminstagram.com/__womeningovernance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Women in Governance