International Women's Day holds a special place in my heart. I am raising two women. I've always felt a great responsibility in having daughters. This is why over the years I've created an International Women's Day booklist and shared different ways to celebrate IWD with kids.
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We are so fortunate to live where we do. My daughters are growing up in a fairly progressive city, within a socially conscious country. This isn't to say that everything is perfect, but they definitely have the foundation and the opportunities to grow into whoever and whatever they want to be.
20 Historic Canadian Women Fact Sheets
This year's International Women's Day theme is "Choose to Challenge". How will we choose to challenge bias, gender inequalities, access to health care, social constraints women face, and anything else you want to choose to challenge? I firmly believe that one of the first things to do when you want to change a situation is to do the research. Learn the history of the issue. This is what led me to create this printable collection of 20 profiles of historic Canadian women. To learn the history of women's activism in Canada. To learn who our female pioneers are and examine the ripples that their work has created for modern Canadian women.
Our profiles of 20 Historic Canadian Women Fact Sheet include these women's names and stories:
- The Famous Five
- Violet King
- Mary Two-Axe Early
- Emily Carr
- Mary Ann Shadd
Do you know the stories behind these names? Some of these names and stories will be familiar. Some of these names and stories will be totally new to you. I have included the names and lives of white women, Indigenous women, and women of color. I've tried to cover a broad range of areas of activism - artists, politicians, performers, and storytellers. These are only a fraction of the incredible Canadian women who gave their time, energy, and often their well-being, for the betterment of future generations of Canadian women.
International Women's Day Activity for Kids
Wondering how to use these historic Canadian women's profile sheets? My hope is you will print off our 20 Historic Canadian Women Fact Sheets and share them with your children, or your students. Use this collection as a jumping-off point to learn more. Dig deeper into these women's stories. There are so many amazing books and online resources about historic Canadian women. I'll share a few at the end of this post.
Turn these profiles into a creative project.
- Write a story from the perspective of one of these women. Write about her greatest challenge or greatest achievement.
- Place your selected woman in a different era. What would a woman from the 1900s think of the modern world and vice versa?
- Create a piece of artwork that is inspired by one or more of the women in this collection.
- Learn more. Add to our list of incredible Canadian women.
Books About Historic Canadian Women
Canadian Women Now and Then: More Than 100 Stories of Fearless Trailblazers by Elizabeth MacLeod - Discover the inspiring stories of Canadian women through short stories
The Kids Book of Great Canadian Women by Elizabeth MacLeod - MacLeod introduces young readers to the stories of even more amazing Canadian women and their achievements.
Viola Desmond - A Brave Woman's Stand Against Discrimination in Canada - True Canadian Heroes by Professor Beaver - Explore the True Canadian Heroes series of books for individual books that focus on many of the women on our list.
L.M. Montgomery - Little People, Big Dreams by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara - Maud created one of the most beloved characters of all time, Anne of Green Gables. Loosely based on Maud Montgomery's own childhood, her books celebrate the beauty of Prince Edward Island and the spunky spirit of Anne. This book features lovely illustrations, photos, facts about Montgomery, and more.
Fierce: Women Who Shaped Canada by Lisa Dalrymple - This book features the stories of 10 Canadian women who impacted Canadian history - Marguerite de la Roque, Ttha'naltther, Catherine Schubert, Charlotte Small, Alice Freeman (AKA Faith Fenton), Lucile Hunter, Ada Annie Jordan (AKA Cougar Annie), Victoria Cheung, Mona Parsons, and Joan Bamford Fletcher. A series of well-researched short stories will have kids wanting to learn more about these remarkable Canadians.
More Women's Day and Women's History Month Posts
Enjoy our collection of books that highlight incredible women from around the world - fiction and nonfiction characters...a great collection to read on International Women's Day
Looking for more ways to celebrate International Women's Day? Take a look at our 10 Things to Do on IWD for some fun ideas.
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[…] International Women’s Day for kids including activities, crafts, or learning about amazing women’s stories. Reading one (or more) of these fabulous children’s books for International […]