Feminism, Society and Spaces

Photo:  The monument to the 'Famous Five,' Parliament Hill, Ottawa

This walk highlights not only the role of women in Canadian society and history through existing landmarks, but also their absence in representations, recognition and accolades in public spaces and consciousness. The first stop is the Women are Persons Monuments—a rare tribute to women in Canadian history—on Parliament Hill, where we will examine the legacy of the Famous Five.  We'll continue across Parliament Hill to the Supreme Court of Canada and down to City Hall. 

Participants will explore women’s historical roles, and the myriad of firsts: the first female Member of Parliament, the first female Prime Minister, the first female ​​Supreme Court justice, the first female mayor of Ottawa, among others, including notable feminist activists.  The walk takes an intersectional and critical look at who is represented and commemorated in public spaces.