Mr. Hergott
CHC-2DI
Period 1 January 17, 2014
The Famous Five
Background Information
The ‘Famous Five’ was a group of 5 women that strived for the equality of women. Before they came together they each did something that helped or protected women’s’ rights. Emily Murphy was a suffragist, writer and reformer. She helped create The Married Women’s Protective Act in 1911 by defending the right of wives to share ownership of their husband’s property. In 1916 she became the first female magistrate (judge) which gave her a big image in Alberta. Many organizations and individuals wanted her to become senate but it was not possible due to the biased BNA (British North America Acts) declarations deeming that women …show more content…
She also supported the first Dower Act which allowed women the right to prevent the sale or mortgage of her home without her knowledge. Later on she was the first woman elected to sit as a member of a Legislative Assembly in the British Empire. Nellie McClung was a suffragette, reformer, journalist and writer. She was a leader in the fight to enfranchise women in North America. She was a big influence in the enfranchisement of woman in Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan. She then became a Liberal member of the Alberta legislature for Edmonton. Henrietta was a legal expert and an artist. In 1893 she helped establish the National Council of Women of Canada which improves the quality of life for women, families and society. She also published Canada’s first women magazine. Irene Parlby was an advocate for rural women in Alberta. She was elected to the Alberta legislature in 1921 and became the first female cabinet minister in Alberta. She improved the lives of women and children using her influence as a cabinet minister. They all came together to petition the ruling that women are not “qualified persons” in Section 24 of the BNA act. Eventually they succeeded …show more content…
The “Persons” case was a historically significant because it affected a lot of people, it led to other important events, and it still affects attitudes or beliefs today. To begin with, this event is historically significant because it affected a lot of people. This is evident because it affected all women in Canada. The case gave all women equal rights as men in regard to political appointments. In other words it gave women the potential to become something that they never could have before and it put them one step closer to equality with men. All women in Canada thought of this as a new opportunity to pursue something new in their life. Not only did it affect a lot of people but it also led to other important events. The “Persons” case established that women are “eligible persons” under the law so they are able to become senator and eventually other positions in politics as well. As a result of this it allowed Cairine Wilson to become the first female senator in Canada. In addition it allowed other women later on to become senators and to become even more important positions in politics. The “Persons” case was a first step into politics for women and many more important steps were taken later