Emily Murphy's Contribution To Canadian Feminism

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Emily Murphy was a powerful and influential figure in Canada’s history. Emily was a huge contributor to Canadian feminism and the improvement of women’s rights. The Person’s Case of 1929, involved a group of five women known as the “famous five”, Emily Murphy was a part of this group fighting for women’s right to be considered ‘persons’. Emily was also a part of the Dower act, this case was for an Alberta women who was left homeless after her husband sold their and property and left with all the money. Emily started this case so that married women could have property rights. Emily Murphy played a large role in gaining rights for Canadian women today.

Emily was born in Crookstown, Ontario in 1868 into a family of 2 boys and one girl. Murphy was encouraged by her father to join her brothers on adventures and often shared the same responsibilities. The Murphy family was involved in law and politics, which could be the inspiration behind Emily’s success in that field. Emily attended an Anglican private school for girls in Toronto where she then met her future husband Arthur Murphy.
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A group of five women including Emily Murphy, Nellie Mclung, Irene Marryat Parlby, Louise Crummy Mckinney and Henriette Muir Edwards, petitioned to have women legally considered persons so that women could be appointed to the Senate. Murphy contributed to the success of winning the Persons Case and helping women’s rights be as fair as they are today. "We want women leaders today as never before. Leaders who are not afraid to be called names and who are willing to go out and fight. I think women can save civilization. Women are persons.", this is a famous quote from Emily Murphy that she stated while fighting for women’s rights in the Persons Case. The Governor General's Award honors these remarkable women and their determination to make a change in the world’s views of

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