Emily Stowe

Emily Stowe

Emily Stowe (May 1, 1831 – April 30, 1903) was a pioneering Canadian physician and a prominent women's rights activist. She was the first female doctor to practice in Canada and an advocate for women's suffrage and education.

Early Life and Education

Emily Howard Jennings was born in Norwich, Ontario, Upper Canada. She was the daughter of Hannah Howard and Solomon Jennings. Stowe was educated at the local school in Norwich and later attended the Toronto Normal School, where she trained to become a teacher. She became the first female principal of a public school in Ontario.

Medical Career

Denied entry to the Toronto School of Medicine because of her gender, Stowe traveled to the United States to study at the New York Medical College for Women, from which she graduated in 1867. Upon returning to Canada, she opened a practice in Toronto, becoming the first woman to practice medicine in Canada. In 1880, she was finally admitted to the Toronto School of Medicine, where she completed her formal medical education.

Women's Rights Activism

Stowe was a fervent advocate for women's rights. She was a founding member of the Toronto Women's Literary Club, which later became the Canadian Women's Suffrage Association. She campaigned tirelessly for women's right to vote and for greater access to higher education and professional opportunities for women.

Legacy

Emily Stowe's contributions to medicine and women's rights have had a lasting impact on Canadian society. She paved the way for future generations of female physicians and activists. Her daughter, Augusta Stowe-Gullen, followed in her footsteps, becoming the first woman to earn a medical degree in Canada.

See Also

• Women's suffrage in Canada
• History of medicine in Canada
• Canadian Women's Suffrage Association
• Augusta Stowe-Gullen