The struggle for women's rights in Canada over the last 100 years has been marked by small steps, sobering challenges, and significant victories. The road has been long, but the victories of Canadian women cannot be understated––nor should they be taken for granted.
As we reflect on women’s history and suffrage for International Women’s Day, it is imperative to recognize that the fight for women’s rights is far from over. There is a growing push in America to repeal voting rights and limit women’s bodily autonomy. It has become increasingly important for the next generation of young people and teens to understand this history when they go to vote or work in their communities.
Below are some significant events in Canadian history highlighting women’s victories in advancing gender equity. We have shared these events through a social media video series. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram to follow along for more content like this!
A History of Voting Rights in Canada (1916 - 1969)
While many celebrate 1918 as the year Canadian women finally secured the right to vote, the reality was more complicated.
Some provinces, like Manitoba, had already granted women the right to vote in provincial elections in 1916. However, the Women's Franchise Act of 1918 only allowed certain female citizens over the age of 21 the right to vote federally. Dishearteningly, this act still excluded Chinese, Japanese, and South Asian women (and men), alongside Indigenous populations.
It wasn't until 1948 that race was no longer a barrier to federal voting. For Indigenous Peoples, true voting rights came only in 1960, when status was no longer a requirement, although Quebec was the last province to allow Indigenous communities to vote while maintaining their status in 1969.
The road to voting rights showcases the layered struggles faced by women in Canada and the continuing need to honour this history.
Evolving Divorce Laws (1925 - 1986)
The conversation around divorce rights reflects greatly on societal values and gender equality. In 1925, the Marriage and Divorce Act allowed women to seek divorce solely on the grounds of adultery, a privilege previously reserved for men.
Significant progress was made in 1968 with a new Divorce Act, broadening the grounds for divorce to include various forms of marital breakdown.
The introduction of no-fault divorce in 1986 marked a profound shift, allowing couples to dissolve their marriage without assigning blame. However, the recent discussions in the U.S. around revoking no-fault divorce laws remind us that vigilance is necessary.
Indigenous Women's Rights (1951)
In many Indigenous nations across what is now Canada, women have long held essential governance roles, guided by values of reciprocity, collective responsibility, and community well-being. However, the introduction of the Indian Act in 1876 disrupted these structures, imposing colonial policies that undermined the political leadership of Indigenous women.
It wasn’t until 1951 that First Nations women were finally granted the right to vote in band council elections. Despite these legislative changes, the broader struggle against imposed patriarchal systems within Indigenous communities continues today. It is crucial to support and uplift groups that advocate for Indigenous rights, as they play a significant role in ongoing social equity efforts.
Economic Independence (1964 - 1974)
The lack of financial independence for women paints a stark picture of inequality that persisted well into the 20th century. It wasn't until 1964 that women were fully free to open a bank account without a man’s signature, a long-overdue acknowledgment of women as autonomous financial agents.
Additionally, it wasn't until the passage of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act in the United States in 1974 that policies began to change in Canada to allow women to apply for a credit card on their own. Economic freedom is a foundational aspect of women's rights; without it, true equality remains elusive. Today, as we continue to advocate for financial equality, it is essential to emphasize the progress we've made and the work that still lies ahead.
Purple Ribbon Campaign (1989)
In 1989, the Purple Ribbon Campaign emerged as a powerful movement against violence towards women. This campaign focuses on raising awareness about the abuse and violence experienced by women and girls, with purple ribbons symbolizing support for survivors and efforts to end gender-based violence.
The campaign was started in response to some of the major violent episodes in Canada against women, notably the École Polytechnique Shooting, where 14 female students were murdered in Montreal in 1989, as well as the innumerable amount of Indigenous women and girls who have been murdered, or are still marked as missing across Canada.
The movement not only sheds light on the crime of domestic abuse, but has also spurred legislative changes and greater societal focus on the need for stronger protections and supports for victims.
#MeToo (2006)
The #MeToo movement was founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke as a grassroots effort to support survivors of sexual violence, particularly women and girls of color. It gained global recognition in 2017, in response to widespread allegations of sexual harassment and assault against a prominent Hollywood producer (who we choose not to name).
Through social media, survivors from all walks of life came forward to share their stories, breaking the silence around sexual violence and sparking global conversations about accountability, power dynamics, and the importance of listening to women’s voices. The movement led to important societal and legal shifts toward protecting women’s rights and creating safer spaces for everyone.
Red Dress Campaign and MMIWG2S (2010)
In 2010, the Red Dress Campaign was launched to bring attention to the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) across Canada. The campaign, based on an art project by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2005, features red dresses hung in public spaces as a haunting visual symbol, is a call to action to address the violence and systemic neglect facing Indigenous women and communities.
The MMIWG2S movement is an ongoing effort that continues to demand justice for the countless women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals whose lives have been tragically cut short or erased. The campaign has also highlighted the intersectionality of violence, racism, and misogyny, urging Canadian society to recognize the unique struggles of Indigenous women in their pursuit of safety and justice.
Conclusion
As we explore the history of women's rights in Canada, it is evident that despite many incredible achievements, women from intersectional backgrounds still face ongoing struggles. It reminds us of the importance of advocacy and awareness in today’s political climate.
While many rights have been fought for and won, today's landscape signals that women’s rights need vigilance and commitment. It is our collective responsibility to remember the past, honour the sacrifices made, to build a future rooted in equity and respect for all women. The progress we've made is a foundation for our future, and it is our responsibility to uphold and strengthen these rights for generations to come.
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