The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) created a program of five regional Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) in 1996. The mandate of this program is broad, with objectives to address both the need to encourage girls and women into science and engineering careers, and the retention of women as valuable contributors to science and engineering. There is a CWSE for each of the following regions: Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Prairie,and British Columbia & Yukon.

In 2006 the regional CWSEs were linked formally through a National Network, supported by NSERC. The network facilitates collaborations to enhance the visibility and impact of CWSE activities at national and international levels. The regional Chairs work together on a number of national initiatives: research projects into the factors that bring about under-representation, dissemination of current statistics and liaison with national organizations (e.g. CCWESTT, Engineers Canada) and international (e.g. INWES).

The collection includes: