Did you miss the memo on Women’s History Month in Canada?

Yes? Me too. I don’t remember seeing advertisements for parades. I didn’t get ask to donate to a women’s charity at the supermarket.

Where is the hoopla?

When it is Shark Month, they get four weeks of shows on the Discovery Channel.

What do we get? Nothing.

October is Women’s History Month in Canada. The government website says it is “A time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.”

Great… but where are the celebrations?

https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/womens-history-month.html

In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month. The government website says, “They are marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history.”

Okay… but where are they marking it? I don’t see it.

This year’s theme is 'Women Making History.'

The site says, “It recognizes the amazing women who are making a lasting impact in our country, especially in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to advance reconciliation, through their work and commitment to make our country a better place.”

Wonderful! … But where are these women? Do they get the day off? Flowers? A free coffee?

Breast Cupcakes: I did not make these but maybe Tim Horton's should for Women's History Month.

Where are the parades and corporate promotions raising money for our issues. Does Tim Horton’s sell a donut for that? What would it look like? Donuts with the hole filled in to make two mounds of icing breasts.

We celebrate Women’s History Month in October because it is the month that commemorates the famous “Persons Case”, which on October 18, 1929, concluded with a ruling that Canadian women were ‘persons’ in society, with a right to vote.

That’s right. We are people as of 1929. My mother was born in 1927. She was not considered ‘a person’ under law.

Instead of government posting the same old photos of established and accomplished women every year, how about doing some ‘real’ things that can help women? Take each week and make it mean something powerful.

First week: Let’s start with a government advertising campaign that encourages taking away the embarrassment and stigma around girls getting their periods. How about a commercial where girls are told not to hide their tampons in the bathroom. Or a commercial where a father buys tampons without being embarrassed. Or show a classroom where this basic female function is discussed openly in front of boys and girls.

2nd week: Focus on taking away the embarrassment and stigma around menopause. Fight the stereotype that menopausal women are crazy and over emotional. How about a promotion around how menopause is a fact of life. That women can’t change it. God knows we have tried. Show a well put together woman who is working through menopause. Not one breaking down.

3rd week: How about a campaign on taking away the embarrassment and stigma for pregnant women. Maybe a commercial where a stranger says, “How lovely you’re pregnant. I won’t touch your stomach because that’s inappropriate.”

4th week: The Government of Canada can announce that they no longer tax items like tampons, mini pads, anything needed for menstruation, breast pads and vitamins for pregnant women, other medical items a pregnant or nursing mother needs. Stop taxing menopausal medication, creams and other items related to menopause.

A national limit should be put on the price of these products so they can’t be sold for an exorbitant profit.

Instead of a redundant theme like “Women Making History” (Because women have been making history as long as men have and will continue to do so), how about a theme that benefits us like: “Nothing a woman needs to address a biological need should ever be taxed and no woman should be embarrassed by what her body does or creates."

Now, that’s a month that women can celebrate. I would even organize the parade.