The Road to Equality Throughout Canadian history, society has improved in many ways. The changes have had a major impact on the lives of many Canadians. These changes included the improvement of family life, social life and economic status of most families. When only one person in a family of five works, they have full responsibility to support their family. Unfortunately, if they fail at what they are doing as a result, the whole family suffers. This position can be very stressful. Giving women more rights has been a long process, consisting of hard work and which continues today. When women are given more power, family life improves because both man and wife are considered equal, with equal rights and responsibilities. Women's social lives have also improved significantly, giving them the freedom to make their own decisions and participate in more activities. Finally, the economic situation of many families has improved by giving women the opportunity to work and support their families. The advancement of women's rights in society has made life significantly better for Canadians in 1900 and for Canadians today in their family life, their social life and the economic situation of many families across the country. Treating women as equals in a couple and giving them more dominance in their family has allowed domestic violence rates to decline over the years. Equality for women began in 1917, when mothers were granted the same rights as men over their children in BC (Status of Women in Canada – Timeline – 1917). Giving both parents equal rights over their children gives them equal dominion in their family life. This was only the first step in winning the battle against domestic violence and abuse against women. The Persons case of 1929 began the rise of feminism. Women began to speak out against the way they were treated and