The ability to bring forth change is neither out of one’s control nor out of one’s reach. It is not limited to virtue or vice, to socioeconomic status, to social reputability, to money, or to any other seemingly valued attainment. It is unfortunate that society regards the above falsities as truth, forgetting that those who do not particularly possess these qualities are the ones who have spearheaded many of the most significant milestones in our Canadian history.
Imagine being part of an existence that regarded you as second-grade to the opposite gender. One that did not care for your voices, opinions, concerns or your fears so that with every attempt you made at expressing discontent, you were ridiculed or ignored. Imagine being part of an existence that went so far as to fail to acknowledge you as a person unless you were male so that at the moment of your birth, your position in society was decided.
Whether this scenario is feasible for you or not, prior to 1929, this was the unfortunate reality for all women in Canada
Born to Isaac Ferguson and Emily Gowan and named after her mother, Emily Gowan Ferguson lived a life much like yours or mine and just like you or I, she was taken aback when her eyes were opened to the harsh reality that so many women succumbed to. Upon this realization, she began her efforts to make a positive impact on the lives of women and children and those affected by poverty and drugs. Over her lifetime, Emily’s contributions took the form of books, speeches, and other methods of spreading awareness of her causes; she was also the first woman magistrate in the entire British Empire .
Despite her accomplishments and contributions to society, she remained second-grade due to the simple fact that she was a woman. As a result, Emily, along with four other Canadian women, fought The Persons Case for twelve long years in attempts at achieving status for women in Canada , ignoring the ridicule and lack of optimism of others only to have the Supreme Court rule against them in their case. Led by Emily, these five brave women full of perseverance carried their case to Privy Council in Britain and on October 18th of 1929, women officially became recognized as persons on the British North America Act.
This inspiring woman, born as Emily Gowan Ferguson, is Emily Murphy and it is her efforts and drive that made this milestone possible. It is her perseverance that changed the face of Canada so far as to make it impossible for any woman today to even comprehend the injustices that were occurring prior to the passing of The Persons Case. It is her courage that allowed her to keep trying when her first attempt was unsuccessful and finally, it is her spirit that began this whirlwind of change that granted a voice for the women of her time and all women to follow.
Emily Murphy did not possess power, riches, or connections to assist her in her battles. It was not privilege or advantage that aided her in her achievements and although these things may help, they are completely irrelevant to success. What Emily Murphy did have, however, is ambition and this is all that is required to spark the flame that can ignite clarity through darkness. All of us have ambition. All of us have the ability to make a change. Think of something in your life that you wish could be better and do something to make it better. Today is brighter than yesterday but it is up to us to make tomorrow brighter than today.
“I believe that never was a country better adapted to produce a great race of women than this Canada of ours, nor a race of women better adapted to make a great country”
- Emily Murphy
Written by Nadine Elmasri Edited by Kristine Scarrow
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