women's history month in canada

October marks Women's History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. This year's theme, "Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women," shines a spotlight on the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges faced by Indigenous women, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and racialized, newcomer, and migrant women. 

In this spirit of celebration, we take a closer look at five inspirational Canadian women who have broken barriers, overcome adversity, and left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

phyllis webstad: a beacon of resilience

Phyllis Webstad's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. As a survivor of the traumatic residential school system, Phyllis endured unimaginable hardship from a young age. Her identity and culture were stolen from her on her first day at St. Joseph's Mission Residential School when her cherished orange shirt, a gift from her grandmother, was taken away. This loss symbolized the theft of her identity and her heritage.

Despite the trauma she endured, Phyllis Webstad emerged as a courageous advocate for truth and reconciliation. Her determination led to the creation of Orange Shirt Day, a global movement that sheds light on the painful legacy of residential schools and honors the survivors. Phyllis traveled tirelessly across Canada, sharing her poignant story with thousands of students, helping them understand the dark chapter of Canadian history and promoting healing.

Phyllis Webstad's unwavering commitment to justice and her ability to connect with young minds make her a true inspiration and a driving force behind the pursuit of reconciliation in Canada.

chris bergeron: embracing authenticity

Chris Bergeron's journey from a successful career as a heterosexual man to embracing her true identity as a trans woman is a story of incredible courage and authenticity. In a world where self-acceptance can be a challenging battle, Chris's transition serves as a beacon of hope for others struggling with their identities.

But Chris hasn't just embraced her true self privately; she has become a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the rights of trans people. She uses her own story to educate and inspire others, breaking down barriers and promoting understanding.

In her role as Vice President of Inclusive Creativity at Cossette, Chris leads a team dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and amplifying digital potential for clients. Her commitment to better representation of minorities in the advertising industry further solidifies her status as a trailblazer and a role model for those striving to live authentically while making a positive impact on the world.

kim thúy: the power of storytelling

Kim Thúy's journey from Vietnam to Canada as a refugee at a young age was marked by challenges and resilience. She overcame these obstacles to graduate in translation and law, working in various roles, including as a lawyer and restaurant owner. What truly sets her apart is her passion for writing and her ability to share her experiences as a refugee through her books.

Her literary achievements, including winning the Governor General's Literary Award and being a finalist for the Alternative Nobel Prize, are a testament to her talent and the impact of her storytelling. Kim Thúy's ability to transcend cultural boundaries with her writing, her dedication to raising awareness about autism, and her love for her Vietnamese heritage through her cookbooks and picture book make her a source of inspiration for people around the world. She embodies the idea that resilience, creativity, and a commitment to sharing one's story can inspire and touch the hearts of many.

jill andrew, PhD.: championing equality

Jill Andrew, PhD., stands as an inspirational trailblazer in Canadian politics, breaking barriers and championing essential causes. Elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Toronto-St. Paul’s in 2018, she made history by becoming the first Black and queer person to be elected into the Ontario Legislature.

A dedicated member of the NDP, Andrew has utilized her platform to advocate for women’s social and economic opportunities, heritage, and culture. Her extensive research focuses on women and girls’ body image, appearance-based discrimination, and body harassment. She authored her groundbreaking private member’s bill, Bill 61, leading to the establishment of Eating Disorders Awareness Week in Ontario, a crucial initiative she fought for tirelessly.

Furthermore, as the co-founder of Body Confidence Canada, Andrew actively promotes inclusive images, messaging, and policies to support body diversity. Her proposal for an Interministerial Intersectional Gender Equity Strategy ensures that the experiences of women, gender-diverse individuals, racialized communities, and queer Ontarians are comprehensively considered in public life.

Jill Andrew’s unwavering dedication to fostering equality and understanding marks her as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.

lauren woolstencroft: paralympic trailblazer

Lauren Woolstencroft is often hailed as the Paralympic Winter Games' "Golden Girl." Her incredible journey in Canadian sports is a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication. With an astonishing record of eight gold, one silver, and one bronze medal spanning three Paralympic Games, she has solidified her status as one of the world's finest Alpine skiers.

At the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Lauren became the first Canadian winter Paralympian to secure five gold medals in a single Games, a historic feat that earned her the honor of carrying Canada's flag at the closing ceremonies. Beyond her remarkable athletic achievements, Lauren garnered international acclaim, earning a nomination for the prestigious World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability at the 2011 Laureus World Sport Award.

Her contributions to Canadian sports were further acknowledged as she found herself among the "Power 50" by the Globe and Mail and was voted as "B.C.'s best" by her fellow British Columbians. Lauren's indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on Canadian sports history, earning her a well-deserved place in the B.C. Sport Hall of Fame and a legacy as an athlete who conquered adversity to achieve greatness.

In celebrating Women's History Month, we are reminded of the incredible diversity and strength of Canadian women who have shaped our nation's history. These five inspirational women, each from unique backgrounds and fields, demonstrate the power of resilience, authenticity, storytelling, advocacy, and dedication. Their stories serve as a testament to the limitless potential of women and the importance of celebrating and supporting their contributions to our society. As we honor these remarkable women and their accomplishments, we are inspired to continue working towards a more inclusive and equal Canada for all.