Inspiring Women of Paris
- ajmdreesmann84
- 18 jan
- 3 minuten om te lezen
Let's start this year off right with some of the most courageous and ambitious women of the City of Lights. It's "La Marianne' who is the symbol of the French Revolution and the personification of France, afterall. You might know her from the painting 'Libert;e guidiant le peuple' by Eugéne Delacroix. (Also used for Coldplays album 'Viva la vida'). The red head she wears was the inspiration for the Olympic Mascot this summer.
Paris has been shaped and continuously redefined by extraordinary women. From artists and writers to activists and entrepreneurs, these women have left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural and social landscape. Today, we celebrate a few of these inspiring figures who have made Paris their canvas.
1.Gisele Pelicot
There is no other way than to start this list with this heroin that dominated the news in 2024. During the trial against her husband, who drugged her and invited other men to rape her while she was unconscious, she showed and enormous resilience and strength. She refused to feel shame that didn’t belong to her and gave it back to the perpetrators.
2. Sandra Muller (b. 1971)
Journalist Sandra Muller launched the #Balancetonporc, the French counterpart of #Metoo in 2017. (Just a few days before Alyssa Milano launched #Metoo). She accused former Equidia-boss Eric Brion of sexual harassment. After 2 years of trials, the initial verdict was in Brions favor: Sandra had to pay him 15000 euros for defamation. After appeal, she finally got recognition in 2021 and set a very important example for victims of harassment to speak up.
3. Anne Hidalgo (b. 1959)
The first woman to be elected as the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo has been a powerful force in shaping modern Paris. Since 2014, she has championed sustainable urban development, social inclusion, and gender equality, making significant strides in transforming Paris into a greener and more equitable city.
4. Colette (1873-1954)
A novelist, mime, and journalist, Colette's literary works pushed the boundaries of mainstream fiction, emphasizing the exploration of gender roles and sexuality. Her novel Gigi was later adapted into a successful stage and film production, cementing her place in both the literary and entertainment fields.
5. Aya Cissoko (b. 1978)
A world champion boxer turned author, Aya Cissoko’s journey from the boxing ring to the literary world is nothing short of inspirational. Her autobiographies, Danbé and N’bila, chronicle her triumphs and struggles, offering a poignant reflection on identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
6. Emmanuelle Charpentier (b. 1968)
A prominent microbiologist and biochemist, Emmanuelle Charpentier’s groundbreaking work in gene editing earned her the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. Her innovations in CRISPR technology have revolutionized the fields of science and medicine, opening new possibilities for genetic research and therapy.
7. Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986)
Simone de Beauvoir was a groundbreaking existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist. Known for her seminal work, The Second Sex, she challenged the societal norms and gender inequalities of her time. De Beauvoir's intellectual partnership with Jean-Paul Sartre also spotlighted Paris as a hub for existentialist thought, influencing generations of thinkers and activists.
8. Josephine Baker (1906-1975)
An African-American entertainer turned French resistance agent, Josephine Baker was not only a trailblazing performer but also a passionate advocate for civil rights and equality. She used her celebrity status and influence to fight for justice, even acting as a spy for the French Resistance during WWII. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and activists worldwide.
These women have not only shaped the history and culture of Paris but have also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations. Their stories are testimonies to the power of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of change. As we walk the streets of Paris, we can feel their influence in the essence of the city, reminding us that the spirit of innovation and revolution is alive and well.
Whether through art, politics, science, or activism, the women of Paris have always been at the forefront of shaping the city's identity. Their legacies serve as a constant reminder that Paris is not just a city of dreams but also a city of doers, where anything is possible.
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Feel like seeing Paris through the perspective of inspirational women? Check out these tours:
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