October is Women’s History Month in Canada

October is Women’s History Month in Canada; we acknowledge women and girls from the past and the present who contribute to making our country more inclusive. In 1992, the Canadian Government named October as a time to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts and achievements of women and girls in our country. This year marks the 30th anniversary. Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a lengthy statement on Women’s History Month. “Throughout our history,” he said, “women have played an invaluable role in shaping Canada…. This year’s theme – She Did, So Now I Can – honors women trailblazers who raised their voices as agents of change in fields where they were under-represented, including the arts, education, and politics, and paved the way for future generations of women and girls to succeed.”

Tuesday, October 18, was PERSONS DAY in Canada. It was on this date, in 1929, that our highest court of appeal declared that women (as well as men) are persons under the law. Five women, known as the Famous Five, brought this about: Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Edwards, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby. Not all women benefitted immediately, but this law was a critical step in the advancement of gender equality in Canada.

We can be thankful for the courage, inspiration and persistence we see in the lives of those who went before us, and in the efforts of women here and now. We can honor the Canadian women who don’t accept the status quo but continue to find ways improve the lives of women everywhere.