They come from coast to coast, from a wide variety of fields and disciplines, and from nearly every decade of our country's more than 150-year history.

They are the Women of Impact in Canada, part of a new initiative unveiled by the Ministry of Status of Women as part of Women’s History Month. Minister Maryam Monsef visited Queen’s on Tuesday to unveil an online gallery which includes photos, stories, and quotes from prominent Canadian women. The gallery inspired the theme for this year’s Women’s History Month, which is “Make an impact”.

“Whether reaching for success in fields as diverse as STEM, the arts, and politics, or paving the way for others as trailblazers and human rights defenders, all the women that we celebrate in the Women of Impact in Canada gallery have something in common: courage,” says Minister Monsef. “Their accomplishments are an inspiration and their stories are a call to action, reminding each of us of the potential we have to make an impact and change the world.”

Minister Monsef also encouraged the dozens present to go online to the Status of Women website to view the gallery, and consider submitting a name for consideration. She noted the gallery will continue to evolve, and hopefully serve as a valuable resource to educators.

The ministry partnered with Queen’s Female Leadership in Politics (QFLIP) student group to host the launch announcement and panel discussion at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre. Queen’s has connections to 17 of the featured women of impact, including a number of honorary degree recipients.

Later this month, the federal government will recognize International Day of the Girl on Oct. 11, and Persons Day on Oct. 18 – which marks the day when women were included in the legal definition of “persons.”

Read more about this event in this preview article in the Queen's Gazette.