Emily Stowe, Canadian physician and activist (d. 1903)

Born Emily Howarde Jennings on May 1, 1831, and passing away on April 30, 1903, Emily Stowe was a truly formidable figure in Canadian history. She etched her name into the annals not only as the first woman to practice medicine in Canada but also as a passionate and relentless advocate for women's rights and suffrage. Her life's work laid critical groundwork for future generations of women in medicine and public life, challenging the deeply entrenched societal norms of her era.

A Pioneering Path to Medicine

Emily Stowe's journey into medicine was anything but conventional. In an age where professional avenues for women were severely limited, especially in fields like medicine, her determination shone brightly. After teaching for several years—a common respectable profession for educated women at the time—she sought to expand her horizons. Finding Canadian universities unwelcoming to female medical students, Stowe, alongside others like Jennie Kidd Trout, took the bold step of enrolling in the New York Medical College for Women. She graduated in 1867, a significant achievement that marked her as one of the earliest female medical graduates.

Upon her return to Canada, specifically to Toronto, Emily Stowe began practicing homeopathy, a form of alternative medicine, without an official license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. This made her the first female physician to actually practice in Canada. However, the path to formal recognition was arduous. The medical establishment resisted licensing women, viewing their presence in the profession with skepticism and disdain. It wasn't until 1880, after years of persistent effort and advocacy, that Emily Stowe finally received her medical license in Ontario. This made her the second licensed female physician in Canada, following Dr. Jennie Kidd Trout, who obtained her license in 1875 after a similar struggle.

Championing Women's Rights and Suffrage

Beyond her personal battle for medical recognition, Emily Stowe was a tireless champion for broader women's rights. Her personal experiences with discrimination and exclusion fueled her resolve to dismantle barriers for all women. She understood that access to education, professional careers, and political participation were intertwined.

Founding the Suffrage Movement

Emily Stowe is widely credited with helping to found the women's suffrage movement in Canada. In 1876, she established the Toronto Women's Literary Club, which, despite its seemingly benign name, served as a discreet front for discussing and organizing for women's political rights. This club eventually evolved into the Canadian Women's Suffrage Association in 1883, becoming a pivotal organization in the fight for women's right to vote. Stowe believed firmly that political equality was essential for women to achieve full citizenship and to advocate effectively for their own interests.

Advocacy for Medical Education for Women

Her own struggles to gain a medical education profoundly influenced her advocacy for other women. Emily Stowe campaigned vigorously for the establishment of medical colleges specifically for women in Canada. Her efforts were instrumental in the founding of the Women's Medical College in Kingston (which later moved to Toronto and became the Woman's Medical College, Toronto) in 1883. This institution provided a vital opportunity for Canadian women to pursue medical degrees without having to leave the country, opening doors for countless aspiring female physicians.

Legacy and Impact

Emily Stowe's impact on Canadian society was profound and far-reaching. She not only broke down barriers in medicine but also ignited a powerful movement for women's political and social equality. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire. She passed away in 1903, leaving behind a legacy that paved the way for women to enter professions, gain education, and eventually, secure the right to vote.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and where was Emily Howard Stowe born?

Emily Howard Stowe (née Jennings) was born on May 1, 1831, in Norwich, Oxford County, Upper Canada (now Ontario).

Why is Emily Stowe referred to as both the "first" and "second" female physician in Canada?

She was the first woman to practice medicine in Canada, beginning in Toronto in 1867, operating a homeopathic practice without an official license. She was the second woman to be officially licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario in 1880, after Dr. Jennie Kidd Trout received her license in 1875.

What challenges did Emily Stowe face in her pursuit of a medical career?

She faced significant gender discrimination, being denied admission to medical schools in Canada. This forced her to study in the United States. Upon her return, she battled the medical establishment for years to gain official recognition and a license to practice in Canada.

What were her most significant contributions to women's rights?

Emily Stowe was a pivotal figure in the Canadian women's suffrage movement. She founded the Toronto Women's Literary Club (which evolved into the Canadian Women's Suffrage Association) and tirelessly campaigned for women's right to vote. She also advocated for women's access to higher education and helped establish Canada's first medical college for women.

Which medical college did she help establish for women?

She was instrumental in the establishment of the Women's Medical College in Kingston in 1883, which later relocated and became the Woman's Medical College, Toronto. This institution provided essential medical training opportunities for Canadian women.