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Status of Women Canada Ministerial Transition Book
Commemorative Dates

Background

The Government of Canada commemorates significant dates that provide opportunities for Canadians to learn more about the issues affecting women and girls in Canada and their contribution to our country. Status of Women Canada develops materials for the promotion of these dates that are used by: non-government organizations, schools, other levels of government, Canada’s missions abroad, and museums. As Minister responsible for the Status of Women, you will have opportunities to engage with Canadians in the promotion of the importance of these dates, through speaking engagements, announcements and social media outreach.

November 25 to December 10

November 25 to December 10

16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence (November 25 to December 10) is an international campaign that began in 1991. November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, which encompass Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6 and conclude with International Human Rights Day on December 10.

December 6

December 6

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women (December 6) is the date Canadians collectively remember the murders of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 and other victims of gender-based violence. It is an occasion to encourage action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. The commemoration date was established by the Parliament of Canada in 1991.

March 8

March 8

International Women's Day, (March 8) is the internationally recognized date focusing on the celebration of progress toward equality for women. March 8 was designated as International Women's Day by the United Nations in 1977.

Month of October

Month of October

Women's History Month (October) is a Canadian date focusing on opportunities to learn about the contributions of women and girls who have shaped Canada. It has been celebrated since 1992.

October 11

October 11

International Day of the Girl (October 11) is an internationally recognized date focusing attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. It was established in 2011.

October 18

November 25 to December 10

Persons Day (October 18) is a Canadian date honouring the five Canadian women – Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby and Nellie McClung, known as the Famous Five – who, in 1929, fought and won the right for women to be recognized as persons before the law, and thus eligible to sit in the Senate. Each year, Status of Women Canada administers the Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case. These awards recognize up to five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the goal of equality for women and girls in Canada. This date has been commemorated since 1979.

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