Why Women Should Not Have Political Rights

Alberta's "Famous Five" were a group of accomplished Canadian women involved in the Persons Case of 1927. At the time, The Constitution stated what requirements had to be met for a person to be delegated into the Canadian Senate, and other government jobs. For years, it had been a given that by a "person" they meant a man. The five women challenged Parliament and asked them whether or not women were seen as persons. When the case went to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1928, it was ruled that the Constitution meant "persons" as in men. However, when the British Privy Council heard of this decision, they vetoed it, and so ruled that women were indeed persons and eligible to be appointed to the Senate. In Canada, this was an important step forward for the women's rights movement.

Women were also allowed to get educations and go into teaching and nursing positions. The Person’s Case was another highlight which demonstrates the advancements of women’s right in Canadian history. This case included five women who ultimately help transform the way women were seen. Emily Murphy played a significant role in establishing women’s rights which led to women being called “persons” in matters of rights and privileges. Furthermore, another female Canadian named Nellie McClung helped in getting the right to vote for women. Ultimately resulting in the May 24th, 1918 Act allowing all women 21 years of age or more in Canada the official right to vote even if they did not have the provincial license. The war brought many changes to Canada and around the world. Women were finally being recognized for their efforts and perseverance and acquiring new freedoms and improved rights for themselves. During the 1920’s, women became more involved in society and continued to participate in the work force. Women continued to make half the earning men were making at that time but by 1929 women made up about 20% of the workforce. The Women’s Labour League worked to defend women workers and the labour movement. They exposed shortfalls in the minimum wage laws and fought for equal pay, maternity care and a women right for birth control. Women were finally making their mark in government. By 1939,

In 1929 a major achievement was accomplished by the ``famous 5`` for canadian women. They achieved having women defined as an actual person according to the BNA act. Having this victory was a huge step for not just Canadian women but for women all over the world. This also allowed women to be themselves and live outside of the house and kitchen. It allowed them to dream big. For example in 1922 Martha Bowes was first Canadian women radio broadcaster. In 1928 Canada's olympic team allowed women for the first time. Finally in 1951, Canada`s first equal pay legislation between men and women was created by

When married, all of a woman's money would automatically become their husbands. Women could not sign legal contracts. Women did not hold any social, political or economic power and they were prohibited from voting. Overall, compared to men, women had a lower quality of life due to all of the limitations they had. Women began to realize that they could do more than just domestic work, that they should be achieving just as much as men were. Women’s suffrage was the fight for women’s right to vote along with other basic rights. Many people were opposed to this such as male legislators and leaders of the Catholic Church. A group that fought for women’s rights in Canada was called the Famous Five. This activist group consisted of the five women; Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby. Nellie McClung was a Canadian feminist, politician, author and social activist. She hosted a mock play with a reversal of roles, depicting a society in which women ruled and men were restricted in Manitoba which brought light to all the problems women were struggling with daily. The result of the play provoked conversation about the topic. As more people became informed on women’s suffrage, more people began to support it. Protests proved to be effective when women gained the right to vote in Manitoba, and became the first province to grant women the right to vote. However,

The Persons case was one of the most defining moments for Canadian women in history. Not only did it allow for women to work in the government but it opened so many doors for other issues involving women and their rights. The Persons Case was a constitutional ruling that gave the right to Women to be able to be appointed into the Senate. The case was started by the Famous Five, a group of women’s right activists, consisting of Emily Murphy, Irene Marryat Parlby, Nellie Mooney McClung, Louise Crummy McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards. In 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not “persons” according to the BNA act. Therefore, they were not eligible to hold a position in the government. The Famous Five were not pleased with this law that was degrading to women so, they appealed to the Privy Council of England and in 1929, the Court’s decision was reversed. The Persons Case enabled women to work for change in

In the past, WWII and WWI, women were very dominant; they had to take care of their children, do all the chores and also had to cook the food. During WWII, women had to take place for the men (First world war.com). The war changed the life for all Canadian women. When men went to fight, women were called upon to fill their jobs, and this included many jobs that were previously thought of unsuitable for women. Women were called up for war work from March 1941(Women during World War II). The roles of the women were positively impacted by World War II, because they had the potential to re-enter the workforce, control the farms and join the military for the first time. Taking control of the military was tough, but women had shown that they could work together and handle the situation.

The proliferation of Canadian women’s movements, notably their redefining role in society, has had a profound propitious impact on Canada’s identity in the twentieth century. The contribution of Canadian women in the cultural life (sports, the arts and dance), the political impact from the leadership role of a female perspective (Nellie McClung) and women’s economic empowerment all contribute to the shape of Canadian history. Our current Canadian national identity has been shaped and developed by events from our past by our determination, doing the "impossible", staying dedicated and true. Also by doing what others thought we couldn 't, proving people wrong and being dedicated to our plans and outlines (Vimy Ridge). By gaining more independence, freedom, equality, rights and responsibilities . By being compassionate, sticking to your words and seeking for new rights (Pierre Trudeau). Even though there are so many past events that have shaped and developed our Canadian national identity, negative things have also done the same but in a negative way. We Canadians are proud of our accomplishments and achievements. We have shaped and developed a great Canadian national identity from the past which we are still making. We have made mistakes and we are still trying to mend those today. Overall our Canadian national identity has been shaped and developed by events in our past by achieving our recognition and milestones, the cultural life (sports,

Rosemary Brown was a politician in Canada who worked tirelessly for the advancement of equality here. This quote shows her views and beliefs in her work; that equality was something that people must fight to achieve, then keep the opportunities and advancements open for those in the future. The fact that this was achieved in Canada makes the Women’s Movement defining in its importance. The progression Canada saw in the 1900s was important as firstly, the movement would have continuing effects on equality and culture in Canada. During the 1920s, women emphasized their efforts on social welfare policies, equal rights legislation, and the advancement of women in politics. The work of feminists during this time resulted in expanded rights for women in later years, proving again that the movement was important. Finally, due to the fact that women begun to play a major role in society, Canada saw prosperity economically and socially, displaying the necessity of the movement. So, due to the prevalent patriarchal values of the time, the women’s movement was necessary for improvement of Canada’s social, economic, and political climate in the 1900s.

While men fought in the war, the women temporarily took over their job positions, but when the men returned home, the women had to return to the traditional role of being a mother and a housewife. Some women did not want to go back to the old ways, as they wanted an opportunity to work whatever position they'd like. However, under the words of the Constitution, women were to be excluded from society, as they were not considered as "persons". Eventually, though, with a fight, women got the right to vote and to work in some occupations, such as lawyers, judges, and doctors. Although they accomplished some achievements, they still weren't accepted into the Canadian society. Considerably, the 1920s for them was a

I will now introduce you to all of the famous five. The members are Nellie McClung, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Emily Murphy. First is Nellie McClung she was a Canadian feminist, politician, author and social activist. Second is Henrietta Muir Edwards she was a Canadian woman's rights activist, and a reformer. Next is Irene Parlby, she is a Canadian woman's farm leader, activist and politician. Now there's Louise McKinney she is a provincial politician and a woman's rights activist. Finally there's Emily Murphy, she is also a woman's rights activist, she is also a jurist, and author.

The Famous Five are prominent people in Canadian history and they have established many of our rights. The Famous Five consists of Emily Murphy, Henrietta Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parbly. They are most

Women being able to vote was a huge step forward for Canadian women, but even though they could run for certain political positions, they could not be Senators. During the early twentieth century women were not legally considered “persons” and could not be Senators (Women become Persons). This act of exclusion portrayed Canada as an immature nation. A milestone with significant importance occurred in the Persons Case. The first constitution of Canada was the BNA Act (British North America Act). In this constitution it referred to a group of people as “persons” but when one individual was referenced they used the word ‘he”. The constitution restricted women from holding public office. (History Canadian resources book) The act declared that “women are persons in matters of pain and penalties, but are not persons in matters of rights and privileges.” Therefore, women could be given the same penalties as men for breaking a law, but could not receive the same basic benefits that men could. Unfair legalities like this proves that Canada was

Women were given the right to vote and hold provincial office. This was the Person's Case. This is when Women went to trial to gain their right to vote. In the 1910s Women, children under 21, Mental Institute patients were not defined as "Persons". A group of women known as the Famous Five, a group of five Canadian women who in April 1927 went to The Supreme Court but lost the debate. Then they went to the Privy Council and the case was successful. The Persons case helped Women gain the definition as a person. Women wanted to be considered as “Persons” so, their opinions could matter in public decisions for example elections. This cause major social changes since women were entitled to have same rights as men. This was a big significance because in first time in history Women finally had some say and changed a lot of social view of

To begin with, the roles that women played during World War II has made a huge impact in Canada’s growth. Since the men had left to fight the war, women had took over men's jobs. They took over many jobs such as factory workers, nurses, weapon assemblers and much more. The amount of women that worked had increased 26.3% since World War I to World War II. Propaganda had influenced these women to take on these new roles. This has made

The roaring twenties was the beginning of a new era, especially for American and Canadian women. This time period not only caused political change regarding women’s rights, but also social change concerning public behavior and clothing in both countries. Before the Great Wear, a woman’s role was to stay at home and care for children. Working women were frowned upon and women were not even allowed to vote in Canada or the United States. It was not until the Great War and the Jazz Age that women were given the right to vote in a federal election. The 19th Amendment in 1920 (cite) and the Wartime Election Act in 1917 gave women this right in the United States and Canada respectively. Women obtained more job opportunities and higher positions in both countries and received increased educational options. Not only were women altering their constitutional status but they also started changing their public conduct. Young Canadian and American women began wearing dresses at their knees instead of ankles, wearing more form fitted dresses and cutting their hair to bobs. They even began smoking and drinking in public and surrounding themselves with men. These women were referred to as flappers. Many older persons were shocked and disgusted with this behavior. But overtime flappers became the norm in Canada and America. The mutual struggle that women faced in Canada and the United States, and how women protested the injustice helps to link the two countries making them appear together rather than apart.