Golden Icons of Equality – Paris 2024’s Tribute to Trailblazing French Women

Golden Icons of Equality – Paris 2024’s Tribute to Trailblazing French Women

If anyone watched the Opening Ceremony of Paris 2024, one notable feature was the tribute to ten women celebrated as the 'Heroines of French History', with its profound message of gender equality. The statues of the heroines emerged from the Seine, with brief details of their incredible achievements:

Olympe De Gouges (1748-1793) -

Woman of Letters and Politician

A French playwright and activist who advocated female rights when the world was completely dominated by men. She is best known for her influential work, "Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen," calling for gender equality, and challenging the patriarchal norms. Today, her legacy continues to inspire the pursuit of gender equality, including in the realm of the Olympics.

Jeanne Barret (1740-1807) –

Explorer and Botanist

A French explorer and botanist who became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Disguised as a man on the Bougainville expedition, her botanical knowledge discovered many plant species that we read about today. Her journey broke gender barriers in the field of travelling and science.

Christine De Pizan (1364-1430) –

Woman of Letters

A medieval writer and philosopher who is often regarded as one of the first feminists. One of her famous books is The Book of the City of Ladies, which defended women's dignity and intellectual capabilities against misogynistic views of the era. Her works advocating for women’s education and rights are celebrated through her golden statue, reflecting her intellectual legacy.

Alice Guy (1873-1968) –

Director, Screenwriter and Film Producer

A French filmmaker and one of the first women directors in the history of cinema. Her innovative approach to filmmaking helped to shape the early film industry, which often told the story of society and gender issues. Her contributions to film and storytelling are honoured with a statue that underscores her role in shaping the cinematic arts.

Louise Michel (1830-1905) –

Teacher, Writer, Anarchist and Feminist Activist

A French teacher, radical activist, and prominent figure of the Paris Commune. She is also known as the “Red Virgin,” as she advocated for revolutionary socialism and women’s rights. Her unwavering commitment to social justice and her radical activism are commemorated in her statue, standing as a symbol of defiance and courage.

Gisele Halimi (1927-2020) –

Lawyer, Activist and Politician

A French lawyer known for her tireless advocacy for women's rights and social justice in the revolutionary history of France. She played the best role in the landmark abortion rights case and her efforts were instrumental in shaping French legal and social policies that promote gender equality across various aspects of life. Her legal battles and advocacy work have left an permanent mark on French society.

Paulette Nardal (1896-1985) –

Intellectual, Journalist and Writer

A French writer and intellectual of Martinican descent who helped in the shaping of Negritude literature. She not only championed the cultural and intellectual empowerment of black people but also played a crucial role in the development of Caribbean feminism. Her work in promoting racial and gender equality is honoured through her golden statue.

Alice Milliat (1884-1957) –

World-Class Sportswoman

A French athlete who founded the Women's International Sports Federation. She was the first to fight for the inclusion of women athletes at the Olympic Games, challenging the prevailing belief that women should not compete in any sports at all. Her efforts helped to elevate the profile of female athletes globally. Her statue celebrates her relentless pursuit of equality in sports.

Simone Veil (1927-2017) –

Politician and French Magistrate

One of the French politicians and advocates who fought for equal women's rights. France became the first of all nations to legalise abortion in 2024, and no doubt, the revolutionary act is a result of Veil's and other feminists' efforts with the landmark Veil Law in 1975. She was also one of the Holocaust survivors who later served as Minister of Health and also as President of the European Parliament. Veil’s advocacy for reproductive rights and her role in European politics made her an important figure in advancing social reforms.

Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) –

French Existentialist Philosopher and Feminist

A French existentialist philosopher and feminist. She is best known for her seminal work, The Second Sex, which explores women’s oppression, and the concept of “otherness” laid the foundation for modern feminist theory. Her statue stands as a testament to her influence on women’s rights and intellectual thought.

A Lasting Legacy

The unveiling of these golden statues was a poignant and powerful statement on the importance of gender equality. These statues will remain in Paris as symbol of the city’s commitment to gender equality, a powerful reminder of the contributions of women to French history and culture and as inspiration to future generations to continue their legacy of courage, resilience, and innovation.

The Paris 2024 Olympics have set a precedent for future events, encouraging other cities and nations to reflect on their own histories and the often overlooked contributions of women.

Paris 2024 will also be the first gender-equal Olympics in history, with a split of 50/50 men and women among the 10,500 athletes. ■

Elizabeth Shimmell