The Women Leaders' Network (WLN) was founded in 1996 to promote the integration of gender perspectives into (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) and the recognition of women's vital contribution to their economies. The WLN is an international network composed of women who wish to make a contribution to the policy and decisions of APEC and its member economies. They are women who are leaders in their fields, including women in business, government, academe and civil society (NGOs, community groups and labour). Members of the WLN meet every year in the country hosting the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting for that year. Three WLN meetings have been held: