Why does gender equality matter?

Women have helped to shape the country and the world we live in. Yet these contributions have not always received the attention they deserve, and for much of our history, women were not afforded the same rights and freedoms as men. But beginning in the late 1800s, Canadian suffragists led the campaign to allow women to participate in Canada’s democracy. In 1916, Manitoba became the first province to extend the right to vote in provincial elections to women who met certain requirements.

In the years that followed, other provinces followed Manitoba’s lead, and in 1918, some—but not all—women were granted voting rights at the federal level. In 1929, Canada’s highest court of appeal ruled in favour of extending the legal definition of the word “persons” to include women, and this granted women the right to be appointed to the Senate and paved the way for their increased participation in public and political life. But it wasn’t until 1960, when voting rights were extended to First Nations peoples in Canada, that every woman in Canada was able to cast her vote and fully participate in public life.

First votes cast since the right to vote was extended to all status Indians were those of the Rice Lake Band near Peterborough (Library and Archives Canada/PA-123915)

In 1982, gender equality in Canada achieved another milestone with the creation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter enshrined foundational values into Canada’s Constitution, including freedom of expression and equality rights for all the people of Canada, regardless of race, colour, ethnic origin, religion, ability, age, sex and a number of other identity factors.

Advancing women’s rights and gender equality has been an uneven process, with many women having to wait much longer to be extended equal rights. Much work still remains to be done to make sure that people of all genders have access to the same opportunities.

Everyone can benefit from getting to know the stories of women who have helped to make Canada what it is today. Whether they are well-known public figures or unsung heroes working quietly behind the scenes, the women celebrated in Women of Impact in Canada are all remarkable examples of courage, passion and determination. We hope that introducing their stories to students and community members will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.