The United Nations designated 1975 as as International Women’s Year to advance women’s rights around the globe and to launch the UN Decade for Women (1975-1985). In Canada, IWY spurred government initiatives like the “Why Not?” campaign and funding for a number of women’s organizations. However, this campaign also faced criticism for being superficial and for excluding marginalized women. Grassroots activism, including a major women’s march in Toronto, highlighted demands for concrete policy change, marking IWY a year of both growing awareness and activism, as well as frustration.