By Andrea Gunraj, VP Public Engagement, Canadian Women’s Foundation
What It Is
October is celebrated as Women’s History Month in Canada, described by the Government of Canada as “a time to celebrate women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.”
Why It’s Important
Diverse women and girls have done many remarkable things in Canada, but historically, their achievements and contributions tend to be under-remembered and under-appreciated. This is especially the case for those who face multiple barriers, such as Indigenous, Black, and racialized women and women with disabilities. Too often, their stories have stayed hidden.
I believe many things are changing for the better. Diverse histories are being unearthed, enlivened, and reshared.
I still come across commentary suggesting that gender equality in Canada has been achieved and there’s nothing left for us to do. Beyond the data that tracks ongoing gender inequalities across many facets of our lives – the economy, civic leadership, and workplaces, to name a few – the very reality is that we under-remember major parts of our histories is an indication that this month still matters.
What do we teach at school? What do we praise amongst our friends and families? Who are our icons in media and the arts? Who gets celebrated and who has been put on pedestals? We still have to diversify these traces of our shared memories.
The exercise of showcasing under-remembered people and achievements helps us not only paint an accurate picture of our past. If we value and use it correctly, it can prepare us for the future we want and need to create. The best tellings of yesterday serve our better tomorrows.
Who I Remember This Month
These are just a few of many remarkable figures of history to be inspired by today.
I’m particularly drawn to the achievements and struggles of racialized women in Canada who trailblazed by shining spotlights on the combined impacts of sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination. The powerful concept of intersectionality, first introduced to the world by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, has been taken on across many sectors, including politics, arts, social services, culture, and business, but that was not always the case. It took the voices of changemaking women, girls, and gender-diverse people to bring us to where we are today.
Learn more:
Fifteen Indigenous Women’s Firsts
Women’s History Month, Women and Gender Equality Canada
