Born: May 19, 1880
Died: April 6, 1945
Biography:
Idola Saint-Jean (May 19, 1880 – April 6, 1945) was a Quebec journalist, educator, and feminist who played a crucial role in advancing women’s rights in Quebec. She dedicated her life to the pursuit of equal rights for women and her efforts ultimately led to women being granted the right to vote in Quebec in 1940.
Born in Canada, Saint-Jean was a highly educated woman with a deep passion for women’s rights. She taught in the French studies department at McGill University, where she inspired and educated young minds. Furthermore, she served as the secretary for the board of the Montréal Juvenile Court, demonstrating her commitment to advocating for children’s welfare in addition to women’s rights.
In 1925, Saint-Jean was appointed to the Commission du salaire minimum des femmes du Québec, showcasing her influence and expertise in matters concerning women’s labor rights. Two years later, in 1927, she founded the Alliance canadienne pour le vote des femmes au Québec. Through this organization, Saint-Jean mobilized a group of dedicated women who shared her vision of achieving women’s suffrage in Quebec.
One of the defining moments in Saint-Jean’s activism was when she and a group of women met with Quebec Prime Minister Louis-Alexandre Taschereau to demand voting rights for women. Undeterred by the initial rejection, Saint-Jean returned before the Quebec National Assembly each subsequent year, tirelessly advocating for women’s right to vote. Her persistence paid off in 1940 when women in Quebec were finally granted suffrage.
In addition to her activism for women’s rights, Saint-Jean also ventured into politics. In 1930, she ran as an independent candidate in Saint-Denis for a seat in the Canadian House of Commons. Although she finished third in the election, her candidacy marked a significant milestone in Canadian political history, as she was one of the first women to run for office.
Sadly, Idola Saint-Jean passed away in Montreal at the age of 64, leaving behind a rich legacy of women’s rights advocacy. Her relentless dedication and unwavering determination paved the way for future generations of women to participate in the democratic process.
Awards:
– In 2012, a statue of Saint-Jean, along with Thérèse Casgrain and Marie-Claire Kirkland, was unveiled in Quebec by Premier Pauline Marois. The statue, created by Jules Lasalle, commemorates the 50th anniversary of Kirkland becoming the first Canadian female minister.
– The Rue Idola-Saint-Jean in Sherbrooke and Parc Idola-Saint-Jean in Montreal were named in her honor, serving as a testament to her lasting impact on Quebec society and women’s rights.
– The Fédération des femmes du Québec awards the Prix Idola St-Jean to women or groups of women who have made significant contributions to improving conditions for Quebec women.