Women's History Month 2007

This year's theme is...

• Celebrating Immigrant Women in Canada
  

A Message from
the Honourable Ida Chong
Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues

Each October, British Columbia joins the rest of Canada in recognizing Women’s History Month, which provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about women’s history and women’s contributions to Canadian society. 

October was chosen as Women’s History Month in Canada because of the “Persons Case” decision of October 18, 1929, which legally recognized women as persons, enshrined their right to serve in the Senate and paved the way for women to participate in all aspects of public life.  
 

This year’s theme of "Celebrating Immigrant Women in Canada" is particularly fitting as the country marks 60 years of Canadian citizenship, providing us with the chance to reflect on the importance of immigrant women, their stories, their achievements and their contributions to our society.  Read WHM Oct. 26 news release.

2007 poster

Immigrant women play a prominent role in the political and cultural life of our communities and we recognize and honour their place in the history of women in British Columbia.

Women’s History Month is a time to examine how women’s roles have changed over the years and to celebrate how far women have come in the relatively short time since they were legally declared persons. 

Today in B.C., women continue to make big strides in the workplace, in particular as entrepreneurs. In B.C over 36 per cent of all small businesses are owned or operated by women – one of the highest rates in Canada. The number of women taking on senior level management positions is increasing, particularly in the B.C. Public Service where over 42 per cent of senior management jobs are held by women, compared with 10.7 percent in 1990.  I am extremely pleased by these statistics as they demonstrate the kind of leadership we want, and need, in today’s economy.

Women’s History Month provides us an opportunity to learn more about women’s history and to help encourage and inspire other women. During this month, I encourage all British Columbians to celebrate and recognize women who are making a difference: in their families, their organizations and in their communities.