Rochelle Hay River, Northwest Territories

Fair address: Northwest Territories Territorial Fair

Project: The Fight to Become a Person

The Famous Five women fought for women's rights in the early 1900's.  In 1927 they petitioned the government to allow women to be eligible to sit in the senate of Canada.  Women were not allowed to sit in the senate because they were not considered "persons" under the law.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

In the early 1900's women were not treated equally to men at all. Stealing a cow could get a man 14 years in jail, but abducting a girl would only get 5 years in jail.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

There were many amazing women who fought for better working conditions and fairness for women in politics and in life. It is important to remember that there are still many women around the world who do not have the same rights as men, and many girls who do not get to go to school. I think it is still important to fight for rights for women.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

In the early 1900's, women had to fight for property rights, voting rights and even rights to keep their children. Today, as a girl, I don't even think about not being equal. Society has changed a lot and girls are encouraged to do anything they want.