International Women's Day 2024

On this day, March 8th, 2024, we celebrate International Women's Rights Day by shining a spotlight on inspiring figures from Montreal's restaurant industry. As we honor these exceptional women, we also recognize the abundance of often-overlooked female talent enriching our culinary scene. Through this article, we salute the courage, creativity, and dedication of these restaurateurs who defy norms and inspire future generations.

Whether through culinary innovation, exemplary leadership, or community engagement, these women shape Montreal's gastronomic landscape and leave an indelible mark on the industry. We applaud them for their passion, perseverance, and contribution to the diversity and excellence of our city.

On this day dedicated to celebrating women's rights, let us remember that every story matters, and every woman in the restaurant industry deserves to be recognized and applauded for her hard work and positive influence.

Here's a summary of the advancement of Women's Rights in Quebec: Source.

1765 to 1864: During this period, most women's productive activity was confined to the family sphere in a society where the economy still largely relied on agriculture. However, female workers, domestic workers, merchants, and teachers were gradually called upon to adapt to the emerging industrial and urban context and the ethnolinguistic transformation of their society. Their philanthropic and charitable contributions to the establishment of a social assistance network, both Protestant and Catholic women, will be remembered by history.

1865 to 1939: The slow progression of women towards equality is underway. This period is marked by the first major demands: the right to post-secondary education, the right to vote, the right to recognition in the labor market, and equal legal rights paved the way for the great struggles that will continue throughout the 20th century. Women's lives, especially in urban centers, are marked by the importance of economic changes during this period and the emergence of new feminine models in the public space after World War I.

1940 to 1964: Maternal and family vocation remains at the center of religious, political, or union discourse and expectations. The advent of the pill, women's entry into the majority of university programs, and their gradual return to the labor market prepared for significant changes and the collective voice of women that will occur in the following decades.

1965 to 1989: Women demanded to participate in the profound cultural, social, political, and economic changes triggered by the Quiet Revolution. With their civil capacity now recognized by law, many denounce the narrowness of the roles and functions still reserved for them, as well as the inadequacy of available resources to meet the diverse and multiple needs of women.
1990 to today: The slow progression of women towards actual equality continues, marked by significant advances in many areas such as access to education, the labor market, and political representation. Despite this, challenges persist, particularly regarding wage equality, work-life balance, and combating gender stereotypes. Feminist movements continue to advocate for structural and cultural changes to ensure true gender equality. Women now hold leadership positions in various sectors and contribute significantly to society, but much remains to be done to achieve true parity and eliminate gender-based discrimination.