The impact of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women, 50 years later | Then vs Now

Summary

The video explores the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada, established in 1967 to address ongoing discrimination and inequality faced by women. Despite progress such as legal recognition and increased representation, many recommendations remained unimplemented for years, and issues like the wage gap, lack of childcare support, and violence against women persist. While the commission sparked crucial discussions and led to significant advancements, it also highlighted the need for continued advocacy, particularly for marginalized groups and those facing intersectional challenges.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Royal Commission on the Status of Women was established in 1967 to investigate and address the status of women in Canada.
• 📝 The Commission focused on key issues such as law, employment, poverty, child care, and equal access for women.
• 📈 Although women's rights had improved by 1967, significant inequalities remained, including wage gaps and limited job opportunities.
• 🚺 Many women, particularly First Nations women and women of color, faced additional layers of discrimination and challenges.
• 📅 The Commission produced a comprehensive report with 488 pages and 167 recommendations to improve women's rights and conditions.
• 🔍 Despite some immediate implementation of recommendations, progress was slow, with only 43 out of 167 recommendations enacted within ten years.
• ⚖️ Major changes included raising the legal age for marriage and allowing women to claim half of marital assets in divorces.
• 💔 The issue of violence against women was not adequately addressed until 1983 when sexual assault within marriage became a crime.
• 🗣️ The Commission helped many women find their political voices and was a significant catalyst for women's rights discussions in Canada.
• 📉 Ongoing issues such as the wage gap, lack of national child care policy, and insufficient support for marginalized women continue to persist.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women?

The Royal Commission aimed to investigate the status of women in Canada, focusing on issues such as law, employment, poverty, childcare, and equal access, and to recommend steps the government could take to improve women's status.

What significant legal advancements had been made for women by 1967?

By 1967, women had achieved the right to vote and were recognized as persons under the law, marking significant progress from earlier times.

What disparities did women still face in 1967 despite legal advancements?

Women still faced significant disparities, including earning less than men for the same work, limited access to job types regardless of education, and legal restrictions for divorced women regarding residence.

How did the commission address the issue of First Nations women?

The commission noted that First Nations women could lose their Indian status if they married someone without status, highlighting a specific legal challenge they faced.

What were some of the key recommendations from the commission's report?

The report included 167 recommendations, such as legal access to first-trimester abortions and a guaranteed annual income for single parents, which aimed to improve women's rights and support.

Did the government implement all the recommendations from the commission?

No, while some recommendations were implemented quickly, as of 10 years later, only 43 had been acted upon, with 71 still untouched.

What ongoing issue did the commission highlight regarding the wage gap?

The commission aimed to address the wage gap between men and women, which remains a significant issue, with women continuing to earn less despite higher overall education levels.

What challenges did marginalized groups face according to the commission?

The commission did not address the specific challenges faced by women of colour or refugees, indicating a gap in understanding the needs of marginalized groups.

What change regarding marital sexual assault laws occurred due to the commission's influence?

The legal recognition of sexual assault occurring within marriage did not become law until 1983, reflecting a significant change in the legal treatment of women's rights.

How did the Royal Commission contribute to political awareness among women?

The commission helped many women find their political voices and enriched their lives by facilitating discussions on women's issues, leading to more awareness and activism.