Every Woman Counts 2023
International Women's Day is fast approaching. "Without the women who fought for our rights where would we be?"
The first International Women's Day was recognized on March 19, 1911 by Denmark, Austria, Germany and Switzerland¹. It was on that day that over one million women and men attended public events in support of the ever expanding women’s movement. In 1977 the United Nations declared March 8 as International Women’s Day, two years following its declaration that 1975 was International Women’s Year.
International Women’s Day is devoted to celebrating and acknowledging the achievements of women, and committed to promoting and establishing gender equality. The equality movement is a focal point from which the women's rights movement brings attention to issues of gender equality, such as reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women and women’s economic equality. The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Every Woman Counts.
A question often asked is why is there a day for women and what's so important about International Women’s Day? International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements that women have made over many generations. The mission and purpose of International Women’s Day are numerous, including, to create awareness and action to facilitate the world to become gender equal, where no gender is discriminated against. The purpose is also to uphold women's achievements, recognize the challenges we face as women, and to focus our attention on women's rights.
Without the women who fought for our rights where would we be?
In Canada, women won the right to be classified as “persons” by the supreme court in 1929. This was due to Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinny, and Irene Parlby, who petitioned the supreme court to have women declared as “persons” under the law. Without the “Famous Five”, would we be classified as persons today?
Women also had to fight and win the right to own property. Emily Murphy, who was an author and activist, initiated a campaign that protected women’s property rights. This was crucial, in part, for providing a sense of stability in cases of abandonment.
Henrietta Muir Edwards helped found the National Council of Women of Canada⁴ to improve the quality of life for women. To this day it is still open. Henrietta was an artist and a legal expert. Women and men sought her advice for their legal issues. Without the sacrifices made by these and many more women who have come before us to stand up and fight for rights for women, where would we be today as a society? There are numerous women, in Canada and all around the world, who have made a huge difference in our everyday lives.
International Women’s Day is not just a one day celebration. We celebrate women, every single day who have put their lives on the line to fight for our right to equality and equity and most importantly our value and contributions as women. You ask why we celebrate International Women's Day? These women deserve a day to be remembered and recognized for their achievements, bravery and for their mission to bring people and communities together. To the Famous Five and the contributions of all women, thank you!
The first International Women's Day was recognized on March 19, 1911 by Denmark, Austria, Germany and Switzerland¹. It was on that day that over one million women and men attended public events in support of the ever expanding women’s movement. In 1977 the United Nations declared March 8 as International Women’s Day, two years following its declaration that 1975 was International Women’s Year.
International Women’s Day is devoted to celebrating and acknowledging the achievements of women, and committed to promoting and establishing gender equality. The equality movement is a focal point from which the women's rights movement brings attention to issues of gender equality, such as reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women and women’s economic equality. The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is Every Woman Counts.
A question often asked is why is there a day for women and what's so important about International Women’s Day? International Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8th to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, and political achievements that women have made over many generations. The mission and purpose of International Women’s Day are numerous, including, to create awareness and action to facilitate the world to become gender equal, where no gender is discriminated against. The purpose is also to uphold women's achievements, recognize the challenges we face as women, and to focus our attention on women's rights.
Without the women who fought for our rights where would we be?
In Canada, women won the right to be classified as “persons” by the supreme court in 1929. This was due to Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinny, and Irene Parlby, who petitioned the supreme court to have women declared as “persons” under the law. Without the “Famous Five”, would we be classified as persons today?
Women also had to fight and win the right to own property. Emily Murphy, who was an author and activist, initiated a campaign that protected women’s property rights. This was crucial, in part, for providing a sense of stability in cases of abandonment.
Henrietta Muir Edwards helped found the National Council of Women of Canada⁴ to improve the quality of life for women. To this day it is still open. Henrietta was an artist and a legal expert. Women and men sought her advice for their legal issues. Without the sacrifices made by these and many more women who have come before us to stand up and fight for rights for women, where would we be today as a society? There are numerous women, in Canada and all around the world, who have made a huge difference in our everyday lives.
International Women’s Day is not just a one day celebration. We celebrate women, every single day who have put their lives on the line to fight for our right to equality and equity and most importantly our value and contributions as women. You ask why we celebrate International Women's Day? These women deserve a day to be remembered and recognized for their achievements, bravery and for their mission to bring people and communities together. To the Famous Five and the contributions of all women, thank you!
