Today is March 8th, it is also International Women’s Day; it is a day to celebrate the movement for women’s rights. Originally celebrated on February 28, 1909 as National Women’s Day in New York it steadily gained momentum over the years until it was eventually adopted by the United Nations in 1975 and formally recognized in 1977. I thought that I would share with you an ode to strong women; the women that I look up to and are grateful to for blazing the trail; knowing that without their blood, sweat and tears, we may not enjoy the freedom, opportunities or lifestyle that we do today. I also applaud the efforts of those who continue to champion women’s rights especially in today’s political climate.
Perhaps my fascination with these incredibly accomplished and remarkable women is because I am a social teacher or perhaps because I am a proud Albertan or perhaps because I remember watching the Historica Minute as a young girl thinking how could this have ever been an issue, but whatever the case I have selected The Famous Five for my tribute.
Who are The Famous Five?
–Emily Murphy: a magistrate in Edmonton, author known as Janey Canuck and the first female judge in the British Empire.
–Irene Parlby: president of the United Farm Women of Alberta, Red Cross worker and Alberta’s first female Cabinet minister.
–Nellie McClung: the only female representative at the League of Nations, the first female on the Board of Directors at the CBC and an Edmonton Liberal MLA.
–Louise McKinney: advocate, founder of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, and the first woman elected to the Legislature of Alberta.
–Henrietta Muir Edwards: Red Cross leader, founding member of the Victorian Order of Nurses and long-term chairperson at the National Council of Women.
Their Cause
These women challenged the Supreme Court of Canada in 1927 to have women considered as ‘persons’ under Section 24 of the British North America Act of 1867; as a way to allow them greater political freedoms and democratic rights, such as that to be appointed to the Senate. The Supreme Court decided unanimously after lengthy deliberation that women were NOT “persons” eligible to be included in the Senate. Not content with the verdict, they persisted, eventually the “Person’s Case” was taken to the Judicial Committee of the Imperial Privy Council (basically the last court of appeal in the British Empire). There the Supreme Court’s decision was overturned; women were indeed “persons” and were eligible to be senators.
Outcome
Although I have zero political aspirations I treasure having the option to participate in government at all levels, if I want to; regardless of my gender. I do treasure the voice that I have in this country. I treasure being treated with respect and dignity and I treasure being able to vote. Considering that my maternal grandparents fled from a country rife with political corruption and oppression I am thankful that I don’t face those same battles, here in Canada.
