Women In Canada

Imagine a nation where half of the populace is treated with the same respect as animals. A nation where the audacity of woman was suppressed in the face of political and socio-economical decisions. This very nation was Canada in the Laurier Era. As hard as it may be to believe this punitive truth, but the liberal values that Canada possesses now were most definitely not innate. Instead, they were built through a myriad of events with World War I definitely being the foremost of them all. World War I truly had a profound impact upon the history of women's right in Canada and aided in the creation of equality between the two genders. The ruthless and arduous toiling of women and their role in preserving Canada’s economic situation gave rise to

Since the 19th Century, women in Canada have fought political, legal, and social battles to find their place in Canadian society. From starting out in small, local organizations, to legal battles in the Supreme Court, Canadian women have come a long way. Unfortunately, it took a long time for many people to adapt to the changing roles of women, which made women still feel unequal compared to men. It is really striking to think that at one point society questioned if women could even be considered persons, just a small sample of the many changes women had to face through the course of history. This paper will analyze these changes experienced by Canadian women in that time period and how it affected their everyday lives.

The first reason that shows that Canada has become a “just society” is the changes to women’s legal rights. Since the 1970s, many women have stepped up to the work of politics. Several instances include Kim Campbell, the first woman to become the prime minister of Canada,1 Kathleen Wynne, the first premier of Canada to be lesbian,2 Beverley McLachlin, the “first female chief of justice of the Supreme Court of Canada,”3 and Catherine Callbeck, the second female provincial premiere and first woman to win

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,

The 1920s were a brutal time for Canada and most countries in the world. The Great War had just ended and soldiers were coming home to no work and minimal food. While the male soldiers were gone fighting the war, females took their place in factories, manufacturing war equipment and doing regular work that normally men would do. When the surviving soldiers came back, they were furious and wanted work to make money so most of the women were kicked out and replaced by the men. Women were obviously not happy about this and fought to make a change. One of the most notable feminists and successful female suffragists in Canadian history is Emily Murphy. She fought alongside four other feminists to create equal legal recognition as males and succeeded;

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,

Considering the relatively extensive rights women have gained in the past century, this investigation will provide an in-depth analysis of what rights have truly been gained, at what pace, when and to what extent, specifically in regards to Canadian women in the labor force. Therefore, the question as to “How did World War II affect Women’s Rights in the Labor Force of Canada?” will be investigated by first representing three sources (all scholarly articles), "Women and Income Security in the Post-War Period: The Case of Unemployment Insurance, 1945-1962" By Ann Porter, "Revisiting Canada 's civilian women during World War II" By Jeff Keshen and “Pick One Intelligent Girl: Employability, Domesticity and the Gendering of Canada 's Welfare State, 1939-1947” By Jennifer Anne Stephen. Anecdotes, statistics and other pertinent evidence will be deduced from each source in order to be presented, and evaluated. Evaluation of each source will include analysis of potential author biases and overall message of the source for readers, as well as an evaluation of the accuracy of the data presented in each source. Consequently, a conclusion will be drawn in order to distinguish the reliability the sources in giving accurate support and evidence to the guiding question.

A defining moment in Canadian history is an event in the past that has made a difference or has changed Canada. Attitudes towards women in Canada changed dramatically in the post-war period. In the pre-war period, women had gained the rights to vote and serve in Parliament. Now, women finally made the most progress shown, as they were accepted into traditionally male jobs and laws were created for equal rights between the genders in society. This began the chapter of feminism and women’s rights in Canada. Attitudes towards women in the workforce and in society reflected in society and the economy which would later affect the direction of feminism in Canada. As the post war years progressed, more women found themselves as outlaws to society

Prior to 1921, men were the only members of the Canadian parliamentary system. With the first Canadian women being elected into the Canadian parliament in 1921, women have had the ability to participate and become elected into the House of Commons. Since then, Canadian women’s participation in the House of Commons has substantially increased from 1 female seat holder in 1921 to the present day 64 seats held by women. Although this increase is seemed as substantial, the debate about the underrepresentation of women in politics has been a central topic of debate by politicians, scholars and the general public in Canada. Although it is widely agreed that representation of women in the House of Commons needs to increase, there are two

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.

Back in the earlier days of Canada it was very easy to see which sex the country valued as dominant. It would not be until the 19th century that women in Canada begin to see even small changes in the way that they were valued in their country. Women gained the vote in certain provinces such as Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan in the year 1916. However it would not be until the year 1922 that women would gain the right to vote in Prince Edward Island and not until 1940 that women in Québec gained the right to vote. Women gaining the right to vote in Canada were a very controversial topic for many years. Many feared that by giving women the right to vote, it would change politics, that one women were into parliament everything would change,

A certain image comes to mind when we hear of Canada; a rich, multicultural country that offers a variety of opportunities in terms of business, education, and a better standard of living. We so often hear the good about our home and native land, yet we so seldom hear of what is most definitely not the best representation of it. Discrimination, racism, sexism, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, and many other issues are still highly present and ongoing in Canada today, and the victims most likely to be faced with such oppressive situations are by no surprise; women. The reason behind women in poverty is not merely the basis of unfortunate luck, but also due to reasons that ought to be recognized; not only by the government, but by society as well since it too, is partly responsible for the causation of innumerable women living in unlivable conditions.

Gender inequality has been a long part of Canada’s history with men being the dominant decision makers. Women have had to fight long hard battles and overcome numerous obstacles to prove themselves and demonstrate that they are equal to men and not inferior. Over the course of a century women have achieved suffrage and have become increasingly visible in the political and economic sectors. Despite all the achievements women have made barriers remain in effect leaving women at a social, economic and political disadvantage even in the twenty-first century. The primary obstacles in achieving gender equality are the noticeable absence of women in authoritative economic and political positions, unfair social stereotypes that are still

Throughout history, Canada’s identity has changed in many ways and there have been many historical events that have greatly shaped and impacted Canada’s history and identity. The Women’s Movement and women’s contribution in the past and throughout history has had the greatest impact on shaping Canada into what it is today. Among many identifying qualities like being multicultural, bilingual, and world leaders, Canada is also country that has changed immensely in the way of becoming a country that has learned to accept women, move towards providing them with equal opportunities and treating them equally. Through economic, social and political movements and actions, the contribution from women and the women’s movement have increased, changed and improved women’s rights and equality greatly. Women worked to create independence and equality economically through their contributions to war on the homefront in WWI resulting in greater workplace equality, socially through the actions of the Flappers in the 1920’s giving women currently, the confidence and strength that they need to speak up, and politically, through the work of the Suffragists including the Famous 5 to allow women to have the same political rights as men.

In 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed women to half his federal cabinet positions. When asked to explain the gender parity, he gave a simple but sufficient answer: “Because it’s 2015” (Chartland, 2015). This response caused a media stir, a response that was both enlightening and frustrating. While Trudeau’s response pointed to the fact that gender parity should be an obvious goal, the question and the need for a response indicated that society still does not accept it as obvious. How can such deep sexism continue to exist in a supposedly enlightened and progressive country like Canada? How far has society actually progressed when it comes