Women’s History Month

In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canada’s history. Women’s History Month includes International Day of the Girl on October 11 and Persons Day on October 18.

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is Make an impact, in honour of the courageous women and girls who have made a lasting impact as pioneers in their fields. Whether as business leaders, politicians, researchers, artists or activists, they have helped shape Canada into a thriving, diverse and prosperous country through their achievements and desire to make a difference.

International Day of the Girl is a United Nations observance day dedicated to championing girls’ rights around the world, including freedom from violence and abuse, as well as equal opportunities in areas such as law, education, nutrition and health care. This year, the UN is drawing attention to the role economic empowerment plays in promoting equality for girls, specifically through improved access to education, increased political participation and leadership, and better support and training for girls in STEM.

Persons Day marks a pivotal moment in Canadian history: the day in 1929 when the legal definition of “persons” was changed to include women. The decision in the Persons Case signaled a turning point in the quest for equal rights in Canada, giving women the right to be appointed to the Senate and paving the way for their increased participation in public and political life.

As part of this year’s Women’s History Month celebrations, Status of Women Canada is launching the Women of Impact in Canada gallery, an online gallery that recognizes the extraordinary lives and achievements of women and girls in Canada.

Women of Impact in Canada

Women of Impact in Canada is an online gallery that celebrates the achievements of more than 100 women and girls across Canada throughout our country’s history. It recognizes women’s achievement in STEM, the arts, politics, human rights, as well as the trailblazers who have made their mark in various domains, many of them as the first women in their fields. The gallery features photos, biographies, and quotations, as well as an interactive map of Canada and photographic timelines that capture historic milestones. The gallery’s nomination process allows Canadians to nominate deserving women and girls in Canada who have made a lasting impact through their achievements and contributions.

Women of Impact in Canada was created as an educational resource for people of all ages to learn more about these remarkable women and share their stories. It contains a comprehensive learning toolkit with ideas and activities for incorporating the gallery in a community or educational setting.