Famous Five Statue, Ottawa Travel Guide

The Famous Five Statue, situated in downtown Ottawa, is a monument honoring the five women who played a crucial role in the fight for women's rights in Canada. These women, known as the Famous Five, were Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Irene Parlby, and Henrietta Muir Edwards. They challenged the legal and social barriers that restricted women's roles in Canadian society. Their most significant achievement was the Persons Case in 1929, when the Privy Council of England declared that women were eligible to be appointed to the Senate and recognized as 'persons' under the law.The statue depicts the five women in a celebratory pose, marking their historic victory. The monument serves as a reminder of the progress made in the pursuit of gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to achieve full equality. The Famous Five Statue is more than just a monument; it is a symbol of progress and a reminder of the courage and vision of these remarkable women.The Famous Five Foundation commissioned the larger-than-life bronze monuments in both Calgary and Ottawa. Barbara Paterson was the artist selected to create the statues. The Ottawa statue was unveiled on Parliament Hill on October 18, 2001.