March 8 is International Women’s Rights Day. An opportunity to celebrate the women in your life! A mother, a sweetheart, a sister, a friend… In fact, the date wasn’t chosen at random. It commemorates women’s struggle for their rights in the early 20ᵉ century. This year’s theme for International Women’s Rights Day is “For ALL women and girls: rights, equality and empowerment”. Here are the women who have left their mark on Paris through their struggles, their influences and their journeys. Profiles as diverse as they are inspiring!
Olympe de Gouges, one of the first feminists 
Olympe de Gouges was one of the first great figures of feminism and the defense of human rights. As far back as the 1700s, she propagated her progressive ideas through plays and other political works, supporting women’s rights, the right to unemployment for workers, and the abolition of slavery. A pioneer whose courage and tenacity continue to inspire us today!
Marie Curie, scientific genius
Who doesn’t know Marie Curie? This extraordinary woman won a double Nobel Prize in physics and chemistry for her work on radioactivity. With her husband Pierre, she discovered two highly toxic poisons: polonium and radium. Fundamental discoveries that made the nuclear field what it is today. In addition to being a genius who left an indelible mark on the world of science, Marie Curie became the first woman to teach science to students. Her work paved the way for other talented women scientists to follow in her footsteps.
Joséphine Baker, artist and resistance fighter
A native of St. Louis, Freda Joséphine MacDonald was one of the first black female celebrities. Multidisciplinary, she sang, danced, acted and… actively participated in the Resistance. Joséphine Baker arrived in Paris in the 20s. She became the star of her own show: the Revue Nègre. A muse to the painters of the day, adored by jazzy musicians and a cabaret star, Josephine Baker was one of the best-known figures in Paris. In 1939, she became a counter-espionage agent. Once the occupation was over, having hidden numerous messages in her scores and obtained information from many people, she continued her active work for the Red Cross. Later, a victim of violent segregation on her return to the United States, she became a strong campaigner against racism.
Colette, a journalist committed to the LGBT cause
Journalist, writer, actress and activist, this woman of letters is a true Parisian icon. The second woman to be elected by the Académie Goncourt for her novel Claudine, she was a lifelong advocate of women’s rights, but also of the rights of bisexuals, who were little-regarded in her day. Her daring and courage are still inspiring today!
Simone Veil, an inspiring politician
How can we forget Simone Veil? This great figure of feminism in France is an Auschwitz survivor. As Minister of Health, she was responsible for legalizing abortion. A huge step forward for women’s rights. In 2010, she was inducted into the Académie française! She is still the 6ᵉ woman to sit in the literary institution, known for being extremely conservative.
Edith Piaf, the world-famous artist
How can we talk about the great women of Paris without mentioning the one and only Edith Piaf? La Môme, an international icon of song, was born in our beloved capital. In addition to her most beautiful songs, which she offered to the world, it’s thanks to her that the Olympia is still open today. Under threat, the venue was about to close. But thanks to the singer’s performances, the Olympia has survived to the present day.
Simone de Beauvoir
Born and died in Paris, Simone de Beauvoir was a great feminist philosopher, novelist, theorist and activist. A companion of Sartre, she never married: ” Marriage doubles family obligations and all social drudgery. ” (La Force de l’âge). Simone de Beauvoir is the author of Le Deuxième Sexe (The Second Sex), now considered a landmark of feminist literature.