Famous Five

Definition

The Famous Five refers to a group of five Canadian women who were pivotal in the fight for women's rights and gender equality in Canada during the early 20th century. They are best known for their role in the 'Persons Case,' which challenged the legal definition of 'persons' to include women, thereby allowing them to serve as senators. This landmark case was a significant step towards social and cultural changes in Canada during the 1920s.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Famous Five consisted of Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards, who all advocated for women's rights in Canada.
2. Their campaign gained traction after the 1916 victory for women's suffrage in Alberta, demonstrating a shift in societal attitudes towards women's roles.
3. The Persons Case was not just about legal definitions; it symbolized a broader fight for equality and recognition of women's contributions to society.
4. The decision made by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council marked a significant victory for women's rights activists and changed perceptions about women's capabilities.
5. The legacy of the Famous Five continues to inspire contemporary discussions about gender equality and women's representation in politics.

Review Questions

• How did the actions of the Famous Five influence societal views on women's rights during the 1920s?
  • The Famous Five played a crucial role in shifting societal views on women's rights by directly challenging existing legal definitions that excluded women from being considered 'persons.' Their efforts culminated in the Persons Case decision, which not only allowed women to be appointed to the Senate but also sparked broader conversations about gender equality. As public awareness grew around their fight, more people began to support women's rights, leading to greater acceptance of women in various societal roles.
• Discuss the significance of the Persons Case and its impact on Canadian legislation regarding women's rights.
  • The Persons Case was a landmark moment in Canadian history as it legally recognized women as 'persons' under the law. This ruling allowed women to participate more fully in political life, specifically enabling their appointment to the Senate. The case set a precedent for future legal battles concerning gender equality and highlighted the importance of advocacy groups in effecting change. The case also galvanized further movements for women's rights across Canada, laying the groundwork for future legislation aimed at achieving gender parity.
• Evaluate how the Famous Five's legacy continues to shape discussions about gender equality and representation today.
  • The legacy of the Famous Five remains relevant today as discussions about gender equality and representation continue to be central issues in Canadian society. Their pioneering work paved the way for future generations of women to advocate for their rights and enter politics. Contemporary movements often reference their achievements when calling for policies that promote gender parity and address systemic inequalities. The Famous Five exemplified how organized efforts can lead to significant societal change, inspiring ongoing activism focused on equity and justice for all genders.

Related terms

Persons Case: A legal case in 1929 in which the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Britain ruled that women were 'persons' under Canadian law, allowing them to be appointed to the Senate.

Women's Suffrage: The movement aimed at granting women the right to vote, which was achieved in Canada through various provincial and federal efforts in the early 20th century.

Emily Murphy: One of the Famous Five, she was a prominent feminist, author, and suffragist who played a key role in advocating for women's rights and was the first female magistrate in Canada.