The women’s movement in Canada has played a pivotal role in advocating for gender equality and challenging societal norms that have historically marginalized women. This movement, which spans several waves and has evolved significantly over time, has worked to secure political, economic, and social rights for women. The features of the women’s movement in Canada can be analyzed by considering its key goals, phases, achievements, and challenges.
1. Early Struggles and the First Wave (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
The origins of the women’s movement in Canada can be traced back to the first wave, which primarily focused on securing women’s legal rights, particularly the right to vote. Women’s participation in social reform movements during the 19th century, such as temperance and abolitionism, laid the groundwork for broader advocacy for gender equality.
- Suffrage Movement: One of the major milestones of the first wave was the women’s suffrage movement, which worked tirelessly to secure voting rights for women. Beginning in the late 19th century, suffragists like Nellie McClung and Emily Murphy campaigned for women’s right to vote at the federal and provincial levels. Their efforts led to significant legislative changes, and women were granted the right to vote in provincial elections starting with Manitoba in 1916, followed by other provinces. Finally, Canadian women gained the right to vote in federal elections in 1918, marking a major victory for the women’s movement.
- Legal Reforms: Women in this period also advocated for legal reforms, including the right to own property and participate in public life. The establishment of women’s associations, such as the Canadian Federation of Women’s Institutes in 1897, was a critical part of this first phase of activism.
2. The Second Wave (1960s to 1980s)
The second wave of the women’s movement emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s. This period marked a broadening of the movement’s scope beyond suffrage and legal rights, as it began to tackle issues of social equality, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and sexuality. The second wave was deeply influenced by global movements for civil rights, anti-war protests, and the growing influence of feminist theories.
- Focus on Gender Equality: The second wave of feminism sought to address systemic gender inequalities in various spheres, including the workplace, education, and family. This phase saw the establishment of women’s liberation groups and the birth of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) in 1972, a coalition of women’s organizations aimed at influencing public policy on gender equality.
- Reproductive Rights: One of the key achievements of this period was the fight for birth control and reproductive rights. The landmark 1969 Canadian Criminal Code reforms decriminalized abortion in certain circumstances, and later, the Supreme Court of Canada legalized abortion in 1988 with the R v. Morgentaler decision. These legal victories were crucial in giving women more control over their reproductive health.
- The Royal Commission on the Status of Women (1970): This commission, established by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, conducted a thorough investigation into the status of women in Canada and made numerous recommendations for advancing women’s rights. These included calls for equal pay for equal work, improvements in childcare services, and the introduction of maternity leave.
- Workplace and Legal Equality: The second wave also advocated for equal pay for equal work, the elimination of gender-based discrimination in hiring, and family law reforms to support women’s rights in divorce and custody cases. Efforts by women’s groups led to significant legal changes, such as the Canadian Human Rights Act (1977), which prohibited discrimination on the basis of sex, and the inclusion of gender equality in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982).
3. The Third Wave and Intersectional Feminism (1990s to Present)
The third wave of the women’s movement emerged in the 1990s and continues to the present day. This phase is marked by a diversification of the feminist agenda, with a focus on intersectionality—the idea that women’s experiences of oppression are shaped by multiple factors, including race, class, sexuality, and ability. Third-wave feminists also place significant emphasis on personal agency, individual identity, and social media as a tool for activism.
- Intersectionality: The third wave of feminism in Canada is characterized by a recognition of diverse experiences among women. This includes a focus on the experiences of Indigenous women, racialized women, working-class women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. For example, Indigenous women have highlighted the intersection of gender and colonialism, advocating for both women’s rights and Indigenous sovereignty. Feminist groups have also raised concerns about violence against women, particularly the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.
- Youth and Global Feminism: The third wave is also marked by the involvement of younger generations of women who are more global in their perspectives and who utilize social media to promote feminist causes. Online activism has become a significant feature of modern feminist movements in Canada, as issues such as sexual harassment (including the MeToo movement) and cyberbullying have garnered widespread attention.
- LGBTQ+ Advocacy: The feminist movement has also become increasingly inclusive of LGBTQ+ issues. Advocacy for transgender rights, the fight for gender-neutral bathrooms, and the push for legal protections for sexual minorities are central concerns within contemporary feminist activism. The 2017 legal changes to Canada’s human rights laws to include gender identity and gender expression as prohibited grounds of discrimination were a significant step forward for feminist groups advocating for the rights of transgender people.
4. Achievements and Impact of the Women’s Movement
The women’s movement in Canada has led to several significant achievements, many of which have had a profound impact on Canadian society. Some of the notable accomplishments include:
- Legal Rights and Equality: The legal landscape for women in Canada has been transformed, particularly with the inclusion of gender equality in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982). The Charter guarantees the right to equality before and under the law, and this has been a cornerstone of feminist legal challenges.
- Reproductive Rights: Legal battles for reproductive rights, particularly regarding abortion access and contraception, have resulted in significant victories. The Morgentaler decision (1988), which struck down restrictive abortion laws, remains a landmark case for women’s rights in Canada.
- Social Programs and Welfare: The women’s movement has been instrumental in advocating for the establishment of social safety nets like childcare programs, maternity leave, and public health services that have benefited women, particularly in balancing work and family life.
- Public Awareness and Cultural Change: Feminism has led to a broad cultural shift in Canada, challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Through education, advocacy, and media campaigns, the women’s movement has raised awareness about gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault, while also promoting positive representations of women in the media and public life.
5. Challenges Facing the Women’s Movement
Despite the progress made, the women’s movement in Canada still faces significant challenges, including:
- Gender Pay Gap: Despite legal frameworks supporting gender equality, women continue to earn less than men, especially women of color and Indigenous women. The gender pay gap remains a persistent issue, and women still face barriers in accessing leadership positions in business and politics.
- Violence Against Women: Domestic violence, sexual assault, and gender-based violence continue to affect women disproportionately. Advocacy groups continue to push for better protection, support services, and systemic changes to combat these issues.
- Intersectional Inequality: The third wave of feminism emphasizes that women’s experiences are shaped by multiple, intersecting forms of oppression. Women from marginalized groups, such as Indigenous, racialized, and disabled women, continue to face disproportionate discrimination and violence, and their specific needs are sometimes overlooked in mainstream feminist discourse.
Conclusion
The women’s movement in Canada has evolved through different phases, with each wave addressing the unique challenges of its time. From securing the right to vote to advocating for reproductive rights and gender equality, the movement has led to significant social, legal, and cultural changes in Canada. However, challenges persist, particularly in relation to gender-based violence, the pay gap, and the intersectional struggles of marginalized women. The ongoing work of feminist activists continues to shape the future of gender equality in Canada, highlighting the need for continued progress and advocacy.