Women’s History Month highlights the outstanding achievements of women 

March is Women’s History Month in the U.S. and encourages people to focus on the essential part women have played in the world’s history and to celebrate their accomplishments, especially their first ones.  As a border city, it is only natural that the observation spills over into Windsor-Essex. 

One of the pioneers in her field of work, Ellen van Wageningen became the first female editor-in-chief of the Windsor Star after years of covering thought-provoking and important stories.   

Van Wageningen, now retired, said she worked with the Windsor Star in different positions for 28 years. She was the first female managing editor for two years and the first female editor-in-chief for another two.   

           Van Wageningen who studied political science and journalism in Ottawa, said she started her journey in journalism when she was 17 years old.  

She said she went to a local weekly paper in her high school and when there was a federal election campaign, she got the offer to interview the local candidates.   

Wageningen said she received congratulations from people when was she was named the first editor-in-chief as a type of celebrating firsts.  

“We should celebrate all firsts for women, and it is a reminder we still have a quite long way to go,” said Wageningen. “I was hoping in my lifetime that we would see the end of firsts, that would become a norm for women to be in all positions…and I think that is why we have to keep pushing and striving to make that happen.”  

Women in law enforcement are also breaking barriers.  

History was made Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 with the announcement that Pam Mizuno, who had been serving as acting chief, became Windsor’s first female police chief and was a leader to other females who work in the same field.    

Sgt. Yvonne Ouimet, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion coordinator with the Windsor Police Service said she was employed with WPS since 2001, and she knew that she could be trusted in this important role.   

Ouimet said the policing environment is a male dominated profession, but as a female officer she welcomed the opportunity to bring a female experience and perspective.   

In Women’s History Month, Ouimet said she wants people to find new ways of challenging themselves and invite women to bring their unique experiences to the WPS.  

“For me it means the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women in my life and community who continue to lead and bring positive changes to our world and community.,” said Ouimet.  

According to Status of Women Canada website, in 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history.  

Mizuno on Sept. 12, 2020 on National Policewomen day, wrote on her Twitter account:   

On #NationalPoliceWomanDay I want to recognize all the women in policing who work hard every day to keep our communities safe. I have had the privilege to work with and learn from some amazing women. Thank you to all the women & men who paved the way for women in policing. https://t.co/94RHtSgTUg

— Chief Pam Mizuno (@PamMizuno) September 12, 2020