Women's History Month represents an opportunity to highlight the past and present contributions of women to Canadian society and to recognize the achievements of women from all walks of life as a vital part of our Canadian heritage. It was chosen in recognition of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers, as declared by the United Nations, to celebrate the thousands of women who influenced the evolution of Canadian society through volunteering.
Canadian women have a long tradition of volunteering.
Whether it is at the level of public assistance, the arts, culture, leisure, sports, the environment or militancy, volunteering occupied, and continues to occupy today, an important part in the lives of many Canadian women. In fact, over four million Canadian women aged 15 and over participate in formal volunteer activities. On average, Canadian women spend 146 hours per year on volunteer activity. The legacies of the women who have participated in volunteer activity are impressive and countless. Through gifts of time and money, thousands of Canadian women volunteers have built institutions, provided charitable services, challenged social injustice, opened doors and advanced equality for women.