How 5 Women Changed Canada Forever Over a Cup of Tea

Summary

Nearly 100 years ago, five courageous Albertan women, known as the Famous Five, fought for gender equality in Canada. Emily Murphy, the first female magistrate in Canada, and her peers were excluded from positions of power due to being women. Disguising their political meetings as 'pink teas,' they strategized to challenge these injustices. Despite initial setbacks, their persistence led to a landmark ruling in 1929 that recognized women as 'persons' under the law. Their efforts not only transformed Canadian history but continue to inspire generations toward equality and justice.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ Women in Canada were once denied the right to vote and faced severe consequences for voicing their opinions, including imprisonment.
• 🚫 Women were subjected to more fear, fewer rights, and were strongly discouraged from discussing politics.
• 🌟 The Famous Five, a group of five courageous Alberta women, sought to change the status quo for women in Canada.
• 👮 Emily Murphy, the first female magistrate in Canada, was ineligible for a Senate appointment due to her gender, prompting action.
• 🍵 The group organized 'pink teas' as a disguise for their political strategy sessions, which were mistaken for social gatherings.
• 📜 Their first petition to the Supreme Court of Canada was rejected, but they persisted and took their case to the Privy Council of England.
• 🏛️ On October 18, 1929, the Famous Five's petition led to a landmark ruling that women were legally 'persons' and eligible for positions of power.
• 🛣️ This decision changed the course of history in Canada and the Commonwealth, advancing gender equality and women's rights.
• 👣 The Famous Five paved the way for future generations of women to be considered equal in all aspects of life.
• 🌱 The Famous Five Foundation continues to work towards a society where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered to challenge injustice.
• 💪 The actions of the Famous Five continue to inspire Canadian women to be ambitious, adventurous, and to make their mark on history.

Q & A

What was the situation for women in Canada before the efforts of the Famous Five?

Before the efforts of the Famous Five, women in Canada were not allowed to vote, and voicing their opinions could lead to imprisonment. They had more fear, fewer rights, and were subject to more rules.

Who were the Famous Five, and what did they aim to change?

The Famous Five were Emily Murphy, Irene Parlby, Nelly McClung, Louise McKin, and Henrietta Muir Edwards. They aimed to change the legal status of women, specifically to be recognized as 'persons' under the law, which would allow them to be appointed to positions like the Senate.

Why were the meetings of the Famous Five called 'pink teas'?

The meetings were called 'pink teas' as a disguise to avoid suspicion. People assumed they were just hosting social tea parties, but in reality, they were strategizing to advance gender equality.

What was the first action the Famous Five took to address their concerns?

The first action the Famous Five took was to petition the Supreme Court of Canada, seeking recognition of women as 'persons' under the law.

How did the Supreme Court of Canada initially respond to the Famous Five's petition?

The Supreme Court of Canada initially rejected the Famous Five's petition, but the women did not give up and decided to approach the highest possible court authority at the time.

Which court did the Famous Five approach after their petition was rejected by the Supreme Court of Canada?

After their petition was rejected, the Famous Five approached the Privy Council of England, which was the highest court authority at the time.

What significant ruling did the Privy Council of England make on October 18th, 1929?

On October 18th, 1929, the Privy Council of England ruled that women were included as 'persons' under the law, effectively recognizing their legal status and rights.

How did the Famous Five's actions impact the course of history in Canada and the Commonwealth?

The Famous Five's actions led to a legal recognition of women as 'persons,' which changed the course of history by paving the way for women to be considered equal in all aspects of life within Canada and the Commonwealth.

What is the mission of the Famous Five Foundation today?

Today, the Famous Five Foundation works to create a society where every voice is heard, valued, and has the power to challenge and conquer injustice.

How do the actions of the Famous Five continue to inspire Canadian women generations later?

The actions of the Famous Five continue to inspire Canadian women to be ambitious, adventurous, and to strive for recognition and equality in all areas of life.