In 1927, a group of five determined Canadian women took a historic step towards gender equality by petitioning the Supreme Court of Canada. Led by prominent activist Nellie McClung, the group sought to clarify whether the term 'persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act, 1867, encompassed women. At that time, the legal definition of 'persons' was primarily understood to exclude females, which hindered women from holding certain public offices and being recognized under the law as full citizens. By challenging this definition, McClung and her colleagues aimed to rectify systemic inequalities that women faced in Canada.

The petition was submitted to the highest court after their initial application to the Privy Council of the British Empire was refused. The women argued that the exclusion of women from the definition of 'persons' was not only archaic but also contrary to the evolving societal norms where women were increasingly partaking in various aspects of public life. Their endeavor attracted widespread attention and support from various segments of society and bolstered the women's suffrage movements across the nation, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms.

Ultimately, the legal battle culminated in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in 1929, where it ruled in favor of the women, affirming that women could indeed be classified as 'persons.' This significant ruling not only allowed women to take on roles in the Senate but also laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements in women's rights in Canada, making it a pivotal moment in the country’s legal history.