The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto
52% of Torontonians are women. It's time we tell their
Image: Myseum of Toronto.
Emma Goldman dedicated her life to anti-war activism and social justice organizing. Her lectures on anarchist philosophies attracted thousands and fostered dedicated community organizing networks.
1869 - 1940 | Anarchist and Anti-War Activist
Emma Goldman was born in 1869 to a Jewish family in Lithuania. Escaping European pogroms, she immigrated to the United States in 1885, dedicating herself to anarchism. Her anti-war activism led to deportation in 1919, and after years of exile in Europe, she arrived in Canada in 1939. Despite finding Toronto “deadly dull,” Goldman persisted. Her oratory skills fostered a vibrant anarchist movement. She encouraged local anarchists to organize, leading to the formation of the Libertarian Group, which held anti-fascist demonstrations, supported Spanish Civil War refugees, and hosted weekly political discussions. The RCMP closely monitored Goldman’s activities during her time in Canada.
Goldman’s lasting impact on Toronto can be seen in the city’s continued engagement in progressive social movements and the pursuit of equality and justice.
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The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto
52% of Torontonians are women. It's time we tell their stories.
Marcus Garvey and the UNIA
Learn how --
Winners & Losers
Sports Histories of Toronto
Meet The 52
Explore the full list of 52 remarkable women that make up the foundation of our multi-year project.
Bianca Andreescu
Bianca Andreescu has raised the global profile of tennis for Canadians. As one of the youngest winners of a Grand Slam singles title, Andreescu is the highest-ranked Canadian in Women’s
Beatrice Worsley
Beatrice Worsley is recognized as Canada’s first female computer scientist. Her lifetime of research and work in the field were at the forefront of Canada’s burgeoning computer science sector.
Menaka Thakkar
Menaka Thakkar established Canada’s first professional Indian dance company in 1978. Thakkar blended different cultural dance styles to co-create a performance called “East Meets West” in which she bridged cultural
Kathleen Taylor
Kathleen Taylor breaks ground no matter what industry she stands in. An accomplished business leader, her career continues to break barriers and light the way for women at major corporate
Emily Stowe
Emily Stowe was a founder of the Canadian Women’s Suffrage Association and the first female physician to publicly practice medicine in Ontario.
Min Sook Lee
Min Sook Lee is an industry-recognized filmmaker who advocates for social justice at the intersection of art and social change through her films and professorship at OCAD University.