Human Rights Day: A Call to Action
December 10th marks Human Rights Day, a global observance of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This milestone document affirms the rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, including the right to equality, dignity, and freedom of expression.
Canada’s Role in Advancing Human Rights
Canada played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration, with Canadian John Humphrey authoring its first draft. This legacy underscores Canada’s longstanding commitment to justice and equality—a commitment echoed in the life and work of Nellie McClung.
Why This Day Matters
As we reflect on this day, we are reminded of the continued fight for gender equality and the elimination of violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. These issues are at the heart of the Nellie McClung Foundation’s mission to honour Nellie’s legacy and advocate for systemic change.
What Can You Do?
Take a moment today to:
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Explore the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its relevance today.
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Learn about Nellie McClung’s contributions to women’s rights and social justice.
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Read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and identify one to act on.
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Share stories of advocacy and resilience, amplifying the voices of those fighting for equality.
Together, We Can Create Change
The fight for human rights is ongoing, and each of us has a role to play. Let’s honour this day by committing to actions that promote equity and justice in our communities and beyond.
Who we are?
The Nellie McClung Foundation was created in order to acknowledge and raise awareness of the contributions of Nellie McClung and her “famous” friends, who assisted in advancing the cause of women in this province and country, and who created opportunities for all citizens for generations to come.
Nellie McClung
Trailblazer Scholarship
The Nellie McClung Foundation presents the Nellie McClung Trailblazer Scholarships.
These awards are for self-identified female students considering careers in the exciting fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), business or underrepresented trades. Careers in these areas offer excellent job opportunities, great earning potential and stimulating work environments.
NELLIE MCCLUNG
Canada's Most
Famous Suffragist
Nellie McClung was an orator and an entertainer; she was an authorand an advocate; she was a teacher and a legislator. She was a prairiewoman who used her talents, determination and energy to bringabout change in society.
Nellie is best know for two major achievements: being one of theleading women who helped ‘get the vote’ for most of the womenof Manitoba (1916); and as a member of the ‘famous five’ - a groupof women who challenged the meaning of the British NorthAmerican Act and worked to get women declared ‘Persons’ rather than property under the law (1929).
Later in life, she was appointed the first woman to the first boardof the CBC in 1932, Nellie also remained a human rights advocatethroughout her decades in public life: She urged the governmentof British Columbia to extend the vote to Japanese Canadians inthe 1930’s; petitioned the Canadian Government to open its doorsto Jewish refugees in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s; and oftenwrote about the need for equal pay for equal work. She promotedthe ordination of women in the Methodist Church in the 1920’s andlater in the United Church. Nellie was a driving force in Canadian Politics and the women’s movement till her death in 1951.