ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of Canadian women

Great question! Let's take a trip back in time and learn all about the history of Canadian women.

Before we begin, it's important to understand that for a very long time, women weren't treated equally to men. They weren't given the same rights and opportunities and had to fight really hard to make changes happen.

In the early days of Canada, women played important roles in agriculture and helped build early settlements. They were also important in the fur trade industry and worked alongside men to trap and trade fur. However, they weren't allowed to vote or hold political office.

In the late 1800s, women started to organize and fight for their rights. In 1893, women in Canada's western provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan) were granted the right to vote in provincial elections. This was a huge step forward for women's rights in Canada.

It wasn't until 1918 that women were granted the right to vote in federal elections. This was due to years of hard work and activism by Canadian suffragettes, women who fought for the right to vote.

Throughout the 20th century, women continued to make strides in gaining equal rights and opportunities. In the 1960s, the women's liberation movement brought attention to a wide range of issues including reproductive rights, equal pay, and sexual harassment.

Today, Canadian women have made significant contributions to all areas of Canadian society. They have broken barriers in fields such as politics, science, and sports, and have fought for and won important rights such as reproductive freedom and equal pay.

In conclusion, Canadian women have a rich history of fighting for their rights and making important contributions to society. Though there is still work to be done, we should all be proud of and grateful for the incredible women who have come before us and paved the way for the future.