women's organizations

1789Which monument in the United States has the distinction of being the only one erected to a woman by women?

The Mary Washington Monument in Fredericksburg, Virginia, stands as the only monument in the United States erected to a woman by women, honoring Mary Ball Washington, mother of George Washington. Its creation signifies the collective efforts of several women's associations, most notably the Daughters of the American Revolution, to preserve and commemorate the memory of a foundational figure in American history. After decades of stalled attempts and setbacks—including damage during the Civil War and the threatened sale of her grave—the monument was finally dedicated on May 10, 1894, before thousands, with President Grover Cleveland presiding. Its Vermont granite obelisk, inscribed “ERECTED BY HER COUNTRY-WOMEN,” remains a unique testament to American motherhood and women's perseverance.

2016What is the first permanent public art monument in Canada to honour survivors of sexual violence?

In Renfrew County, Ontario, the Countdown Public Art Project became Canada's first permanent public monument to honour survivors of sexual violence. Initiated by the Women's Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County and led by Toronto’s Red Dress Productions, this groundbreaking effort brought together artists, survivors, and local communities to design and build four linked pebble mosaic monuments. The main anchor monument in Eganville and its three "sister" monuments in Pembroke, Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, and Killaloe were unveiled in October 2016, involving the hands-on work of over 250 community members who set five tons of stone, pebble by pebble. This collaborative and deeply meaningful process not only created a lasting symbol of solidarity and healing but also marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history for public recognition and support of survivors.