Nova Scotia Celebrates Women's History Month

Each year, Canada celebrates Women's History Month in October and marks Persons Day on Oct. 18, the day in 1929 when Canadian women were recognized as persons under the law.

This year, Premier John Hamm and Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act, signed a proclamation at Province House on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to honour both Women's History Month in Canada and Persons Day.

"We celebrate the long line of Nova Scotian women who have fought for full equality, at home, in the workplace and in public life," said Premier John Hamm.

The theme of Women's History Month this year is: What do You Mean, Women Couldn't Vote? In Nova Scotia, women's political involvement began with the fight for voting rights through the 1890s and up to 1918, when most Nova Scotian women won their right to vote and stand for election in federal and provincial elections.

"We applaud all the women who have run for office, win or lose, and continue to encourage more women to pursue political office," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson.

The Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women is committed to advancing equality, dignity and fairness for all women and continues to promote women's political participation.