More than 80 years after she was elected to council, Vancouver celebrated one of the city’s most remarkable women on International Women’s Day.
The city Thursday unveiled Helena Gutteridge Plaza, a newly refurbished public space in front of city hall, named in honour of Helena Rose Gutteridge, a political activist who helped shape the province’s social reform legislation, fought for improved conditions for working women and advocated for equal pay. Gutteridge was also the first woman elected to Vancouver city council in 1937.
“This year, I am honoured to celebrate International Women’s Day with the unveiling of the Helena Gutteridge Plaza right here at City Hall,” Mayor Gregor Robertson said in a press release. “As the first woman elected to Vancouver’s City Council, Ms. Gutteridge was not only a trailblazer in municipal politics but a strong advocate for the rights of women across our province. As a city, we’ve come a long way in 80 years but we need to redouble our efforts to make Vancouver a better place to live and work for all women,” the mayor said.
“We need to work harder than ever to deliver on the priority areas outlined in the recently updated Women’s Equity Strategy, and that includes ensuring women are in leadership roles, pay equity, more quality childcare and affordable housing.”
While celebrating the strides made by women in the city’s past, Vancouver is looking to the future this week as it becomes the first municipality to sign Minerva BC’s Face of Leadership Diversity Pledge on Friday.
Developed by the Minerva Foundation, which provides leadership programs for women and girls, and partners with organizations to advance gender parity in B.C., the pledge has been signed by dozens of private companies. It is seen as a commitment to support women’s advancement in leadership in our workforce and in the community.
“We are delighted that the City of Vancouver is becoming the first municipality to sign the pledge as it is a real step forward in leadership and demonstrates a top level commitment to women’s equality,” said Tina Strehlke, Minerva Foundation CEO.
