Written by Monique Palomares 

International Women’s Day in France takes place on March 8th.

It’s called “Journée internationale des droits des femmes” which translates to “International Women’s Rights Day”. That wording avoids the issue of meaning that women are only entitled to one day and that the 364 others are not for them.

On TV there are documentaries devoted to the history of feminist struggles and to remarkable women. The condition of women and their issues are addressed, like violence against women, the place of women in society, equal pay, etc. Normally there are also demonstrations organized to demand, in particular, equal pay and work equality.

Here are some French quotes about women that I find inspiring (followed by English translations)…

1. “N’oubliez jamais qu’il suffira d’une crise politique, économique ou religieuse pour que les droits des femmes soient remis en question. Ces droits ne sont jamais acquis. Vous devrez rester vigilantes votre vie durant.” -Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986)

Translation: “Never forget that it will only take a political, economic or religious crisis for the rights of women to be called into question. These rights are never assured. You have to remain vigilant your whole life.”

2. “L’émancipation de la femme suit le progrès de la civilisation, son asservissement marche avec la barbarie.” -Charles Fourrier (1772-1837)

Translation: “The emancipation of women follows the progress of civilization, her enslavement goes hand in hand with barbarity.”

3. “La femme serait vraiment l’égale de l’homme le jour où, à un poste important, on désignerait une femme incompétente.” -Françoise Giroud (1916 – 2003)

Translation: “Women would be truly equal to men the day when we appoint an incompetent woman to an important position.”

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Here are some French quotes about women I find moving. -Mama Lisa

1. “Femmes, c’est vous qui tenez entre vos mains le salut du monde.” -Leo Tolstoy (Russian, 1854 – 1936)

Translation: “Ladies, it’s you who hold the salvation of the world in your hands.”

2. “Simple, forte, aimant l’art et l’idéal, brave et libre aussi, la femme de demain ne voudra ni dominer, ni être dominée.” -Louise Michel (1830 – 1905)

Translation: “Simple, strong, loving art and the ideal, brave and free too, the women of tomorrow will neither want to dominate nor be dominated.”

Happy Women’s Day!

Thanks to Monique Palomares for sharing this poem. Monique works with me on the French version of Mama Lisa’s World

Link with More Quotes in French about Women: Citations sur le thème de la femme