October in Canada is more than the arrival of crisp air and fiery autumn leaves—it is a time to honour the women whose courage, vision, and determination have helped shape the nation we know today. Women’s History Month is a chance to remember those who broke barriers, challenged inequality, and paved the way for future generations. From courtroom battles that affirmed women’s personhood, to pioneering discoveries in science, politics, and the arts, this month reminds us that the story of Canada cannot be told without the voices and achievements of women at its heart.
This significant observance is deeply rooted in a landmark event known as the *Persons Case*, which culminated on October 18, 1929. It was on this day that Canadian women were officially recognized as "persons" in society, marking a pivotal step toward gender equality and women’s rights to vote and participate fully in public life.
The *Persons Case* was championed by the Famous Five:
- Emily Murphy
- Nellie McClung
- Irene Parlby
- Louise McKinney
- Henrietta Muir Edwards
Their relentless pursuit for recognition led to the historic decision by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England, Canada’s highest court at the time, reversing a previous Supreme Court of Canada ruling.
As we honour Women’s History Month, we also pay tribute to many other trailblazing Canadian women who, like the Famous Five, have significantly shaped the nation’s course. Let us take a moment to remember and celebrate just a few of these remarkable women:
Pioneers in Medicine and Science
Emily Stowe – As Canada’s first female doctor, Stowe was a tireless advocate for women’s rights, including the right to vote and access to medical education.
Roberta Bondar – A neurologist and astronaut, Bondar broke barriers as the first Canadian woman to journey into space.
Harriet Brooks – Renowned as Canada’s first nuclear physicist, Brooks made significant contributions to the field of radioactivity.
Leaders in Politics and Law
Agnes Macphail** – The first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons, Macphail was a vocal supporter of prisoners’ rights and women’s equality.
Kim Campbell – Campbell broke the highest glass ceiling in Canadian politics when she became the country’s first and only female Prime Minister.
Bertha Wilson – As the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, Wilson opened doors for future generations of women in law.
Arts and Culture Icons
Mary Pickford – A pioneering actress and producer, known as "America’s Sweetheart," Pickford co-founded United Artists and was a significant figure in the early film industry.
Emily Carr – A writer and artist, Carr’s work was heavily inspired by the Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest Coast.
Alice Munro – Recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Munro is celebrated for her masterful short stories depicting the human condition.
Activists and Humanitarian
Viola Desmond – Desmond’s act of defiance against racial segregation in Nova Scotia is one of the most celebrated civil rights moments in Canadian history.
Rosemary Brown – Brown broke racial barriers as the first Black Canadian woman elected to a provincial legislature.
Lotta Hitschmanova – A wartime humanitarian, Hitschmanova founded USC Canada, a non-profit organisation focused on international development.
Athletes and Innovators
Fanny "Bobbie" Rosenfeld – An Olympic track and field athlete who set numerous records and became a strong advocate for women in sports.
Chantal Petitclerc – As a wheelchair racer, Petitclerc dominated the Paralympic Games, inspiring many with her athletic achievements.
Clara Hughes – A decorated Olympian, Hughes is the only athlete to win multiple medals at both Summer and Winter Games in cycling and speed skating.
The Indigenous Trailblazers
Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake) – A poet of Mohawk and English heritage, her work celebrated her Indigenous culture and helped bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
Mary Two-Axe Earley – Earley fought against the discriminatory provisions of the Indian Act that marginalised Indigenous women.
Kenojuak Ashevak – An Inuit artist whose prints and drawings brought global attention to traditional Inuit art.
Throughout the month of October, we honour the legacies of these women and many others like them who have made invaluable contributions across various domains. Their courage, perseverance, and dedication have not only helped shape Canada but have also inspired generations of women and girls to dream bigger, reach higher, and etch their marks on the annals of history.
Women’s History Month is an opportunity for all Canadians, young and old, to learn about the stories of these women, to reflect on the strides made towards gender equality, and to continue the work that remains in ensuring an inclusive and fair society.
Let us celebrate, empower, and uplift women in Canada and around the world, not just in October, but every month of the year.
