The Women's Network Committee was formed in 1980 by an ad hoc group of volunteers interested in developing a communication network among the women of Prince Edward Island. The Committee was funded by the Secretary of State's Women's Program. They hired two researchers to prepare and publish a directory of women's organizations in PEI which was published in 1982. An additional Committee goal was to establish a women's newspaper providing Island women an opportunity to debate their interests and concerns and thus was born the monthly publication "Common Ground". Women's Network was incorporated in 1984 with Heather Irving serving as the first president of the Board of Directors.

The purpose of Women's Network was to promote the equality of women in PEI through feminist analysis and practice. They sought to provide a forum for the discussion and exchange of views regarding the needs and concerns of Prince Edward Island women and to promote, foster, and advance a high level of communication and understanding among women and women's groups. The Network endeavours to represent their members in in any matters pertaining to the needs and concerns of Prince Edward Island women.

From its inception Women's Network has organized workshops and seminars providing women with a network of information, skills training, and resource service to women throughout the Prince Edward Island, especially in rural areas. Their first major public event was a Women's Day Fair. It grew to be an annual event and was renamed the PEI Women's Festival, spanning the years 1984 to 1991