In 1929, after two years of legal debate, Canada's highest court of appeal declared that the word "person" included both women and men. The decision was made by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great Britain and made it possible for women to serve in the Senate. It also paved the way for women's increased participation in public and political life. The case had been brought before the courts in 1927 by five Alberta women who became known as the "Famous Five." The case became known as the Persons Case.
Each year, five winners are chosen from across Canada. In recognition of the world's first International Day of the Girl which will take place on October 11, 2012, two of the 2012 winners will be from the youth category (15-30 years old).
The deadline for nominations for the 2012 awards is July 15, 2012.
