Remembrance Day Reflection: Canadian Women in War | November 10, 2022

The Empire Club of Canada Presents:

Remembrance Day Reflection: Canadian Women in War

On November 10th, in honour of Remembrance Day week, the Empire Club of Canada will open the door to a chapter of our history that has for far too long been either unknown or misunderstood by the vast majority of Canadians. In conversation with philanthropist, business leader and decorated navy Dr. Wendy M. Cecil and Dr. Melanie Morin-Pelletier, Historian of the Canadian War Museum, will present through film clips, photographs, and images from those heroic and troubled times the extraordinary stories of Canadian Women at War during the two great conflicts of the 20th century, the First and Second World Wars. 

 The two great wars changed women's lives – and in some ways, there was no looking back. Almost everywhere, particularly in WW-2, women stepped in to perform "masculine" jobs. The changes for women and society were massive, but there was an expectation for women to return to more traditional roles at the end of both wars. After WW-2 and – pushed by government policies – women massively left the workforce – their participation sank to 24% in the late 1940s. It took decades for it to return. Now, women's participation in the workforce is well over 80% and virtually equal to male participation in the workforce.

 The story of Canadian Women at War, as told by Melanie Morin-Pelletier in conversation with Wendy M. Cecil, is a glimpse into the past. Still, it also explains much about the present and perhaps about the future. It is time to better understand this aspect of our history and celebrate the fundamental role that women played in assuring the success of Canada's war efforts, leading to the social construct of Canadian society as we know it today.

Speakers:

Dr. Melanie Morin-Pelletier Historian, War and Society, Canadian War Museum

Dr. Wendy M. Cecil, CM, HCapt(N), Chancellor Emerita, Victoria University University of Toronto

*The content presented is free of charge but please note that the Empire Club of Canada retains copyright. Neither the speeches themselves nor any part of their content may be used for any purpose other than personal interest or research without the explicit permission of the Empire Club of Canada.*

*Views and Opinions Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the speakers or panelists are those of the speakers or panelists and do not necessarily reflect or represent the official views and opinions, policy or position held by The Empire Club of Canada.*