ABOUT THE PROJECT

Women’s Empowerment Through Music commemorates the centenary of women’s right to vote in Canada, which started with Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in 1916, followed by British Columbia and Ontario in 1917.  This initiative by the Coalition for Music Education seeks to show how music can be used as an expression of social justice.  Women’s Empowerment Through Music celebrates the pathways to equality by honouring women over the past 100 years who were empowered by, or who empowered others through music.

Every social justice movement is accompanied by music in some way, such as protest songs, music at rallies, chants, etc.  It often includes leadership by prominent entertainers of the times, with many musicians becoming “change agents” for social justice issues.  Music is often used to articulate the spirit of change. It can motivate communities to take action.  Music has empowered individuals and social movements.

The project is part of the Youth4Music program.  Its objectives are to link young people with their Canadian heritage of women’s suffrage, social justice, leadership and civic engagement.

We have shared and will continue sharing your input in upcoming Coalition e-newsletters.  We have presented a catalogue of influential women and music on this page and through social media.

Through this ongoing project, the Coalition is:

  • Creating a catalogue of prominent Canadian women who were empowered by, or who empowered others through music, such as musicians, songwriters, composers, music executives, social justice leaders, educators, politicians, and more.
    Ideas? Tell us!
  • Providing resources such as a “learning and teaching module”, which are exploring the connection between music, and women’s equality and empowerment.
  • Gathering stories from families and communities about music and women, especially how music was part of the women’s rights movement in Canada
  • Identifying music created by prominent Canadian women who were socially inspired and motivating

PROJECT RESOURCES

This catalogue features prominent Canadian women who were empowered by, or who empowered others through music, such as musicians, songwriters, composers, music executives, social justice leaders, educators, politicians, and more. Contact us to add your ideas!

These learning and teaching modules explore the connection between music, and women’s equality and empowerment.

BREAD & ROSES TEACHING MODULE
PowerPoint Presentation

FINDING A VOICE TEACHING MODULE
PowerPoint Presentation

TEACHING & LEARNING MODULE
High School & Middle School