Throughout the 20th century, women's roles in Canadian society underwent significant transformation, marked by pivotal events and influential figures. Early on, women like Emily Murphy broke barriers, becoming the first female judge in Canada, while others like Irene Parlby and Nellie McClung championed women'
Concerned about women’s rights being excluded from the proposed new Charter of Rights 1,300 women met and lobbied Members of Parliament. The result was the inclusion of women’s rights in Canada’s constitution. (picture)
The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits sexual harassment in workplaces under federal jurisdiction.(Human rights act)
Canadian Constitution Act declares Aboriginal and Treaty Rights are guaranteed equally to men and women.(Canadian Constitution)
Bertha Wilson
Margaret Mitchell
Womens rights in the Canadian Constitution
Aboriginal womens movements
1945-1982
In the 1970 Royal Commission on the Status of Women it was reported that 167 recommendations were needed to improve the lives of women.
Amendments to the Criminal Code: Pro-choice legalized in certain circumstances.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) passes Convention 100 calling for “equal pay for equal work”
Rosie the Riveter poster
Elimination of sexual harassment
Equal pay
1914-1929
Emily Murphy Appointed Canada’s first female judge. (Newsarticle)
White women in Ontario and British Columbia get right to vote provincially.
Persons case
Irene Parlby
Louise McKinney
Henrietta Muir Edwards
Nellie McClung
Emily Murphy
New clothing
Women should have equal rights
1929-1945
Politics
Huguette Plamondon Elected president of the Montreal Labour Council in 1955, becoming first woman to lead a major Canadian labour organization. ( Her Campaign poster)
