The Famous Five and Why Their Fight Still Matters to Students Today
Image from https://www.peifamousfive.ca/
When we think about women’s rights in Canada today, it is easy to assume those rights have always existed. But less than 100 years ago, women were not even legally considered “persons” under Canadian law. That changed because of five women, known as the Famous Five, who challenged the system and reshaped the future.
The Famous Five, Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards, were behind one of the most important legal cases in Canadian history, the Persons Case. At the time, the word “persons” in the Constitution was interpreted to mean only men. Due to this, women could not be appointed to the Senate or hold certain positions of power. Instead of accepting this, they decided to challenge it. They brought their case all the way to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Britain, which was the highest court Canada could go to at the time. In 1929, the court ruled that women are considered “qualified persons.” This decision did more than just allow women into politics. It changed how women were seen in society and opened doors for future generations.
As university students, this history actually connects more to our lives than we might think. University is supposed to be a place where we question ideas, challenge systems, and think critically. That is exactly what the Famous Five did. They saw something unfair and did not just accept it. They took action and pushed for change. In a lot of our classes, especially in business or social science courses, we are asked to analyze systems and identify problems. Whether it is talking about inequality, inclusion, or access to opportunities, we are building the same mindset. The Famous Five remind us that systems are not fixed. If something does not make sense or is unfair, it can be changed.
At the same time, learning about them in university also shows us that history is not perfect. While they made important progress for women, some of their views excluded other groups, especially Indigenous and racialized communities. This is something we talk about a lot in university. It is important to recognize both the impact they had and the limitations of their actions. The story of the Famous Five is not just about the past. It is a reminder that change happens when people are willing to speak up and challenge what is considered normal. As students, we are constantly developing our own opinions and learning how to question the world around us. Their story shows that even a small group of people can create change that lasts for generations.
Isha Roy Chowdhury is a member of the 2025/26 Student Affairs team.