Women’s History Month & the power of like-minded women

October is Women’s History Month in Canada.

And October 18th is Persons Day, the anniversary of the historic decision made in 1929 to legally include women in the definition of ‘persons’. This decision particularly allowed women (at least some to start) to serve in the Senate, the highest legislative branch of Canadian government.

This important shift in gender equity came about due to the efforts of five women, known as the Famous Five. Outside of the Manitoba Legislature Building in Winnipeg, there is a (beautiful) sculpture installation of these five women: Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Emily Murphy, and Irene Parlby. Nellie McClung was also instrumental in helping women in Manitoba become the first in the country to be allowed to vote, in 1916.

Why the history lesson?

100 years later, it is hard to believe that this was the level of inequality faced by women. Thankfully our status has improved significantly in the intervening years.

And, it is important to recognize that this was only 100 years ago! In the grand scale of human history that is a tiny slice of time.

So it is no wonder that as women we can still struggle with gender inequality, both at home and in the workplace. And this gender inequality can very much impact our ability to attend to our own needs.

But, like the Famous Five, when we connect with like-minded women, things can change enormously. And even if we aren’t trying to change the laws and norms of a country, changing the self-care norms in our profession or our own local places of work is an incredibly valuable cause.

It takes courage, but change is possible and very worth it.