This exhibition traces the feminist struggles in Paris from 1789 to 2000 and gives hope for tomorrow

In the face of contemporary events, it can be difficult to look to the future with optimism. But sometimes looking back to gauge how far we’ve come, let alone the right direction, can help restore the hope and strength to keep fighting. This is what the new exhibition “Parisiennes citoyennes! Commitments for the emancipation of women (1789-2000) “.

“Parisians! retraces the feminist struggles that are shaking the capital

From 28 September 2022 and until 29 January 2023, the Carnavalet Museum in Paris offers a rich and lively synthesis of the history of feminist struggles in Paris, from the French Revolution to the equality law of 2000.

From Olympe de Gouges to Gisèle Halimi, passing through other lesser-known figures, even anonymous, but in their own way heroic, this exhibition (re) shows the struggles of revolutionary women, communards, suffragettes and other resistance fighters. But also other forms of activism through work, through strikes, or even through books. All in a chronological order that makes it easier to follow and understand the progress of civil and civil rights, despite the many setbacks (or ” backlash »For fans of Anglicisms).

Not a lecture on history, but living memories of feminism

However, he is not even a masters in history, quite the contrary. To give body, vitality to this exhibition, the archives take on all kinds of forms: paintings, sculptures, photographs, posters, manuscripts and even the more or less surprising personal objects of some activists. Of particular note is the double-walled bag from the tough Lise London, from 1942.

Also noteworthy is the desire to take into account the plurality of struggles, such as those of women of color in the 1920s or those for the rights of LGBT + people, but also of all the times in which these struggles at the intersection are combined with strength and brilliance.

Enough to give a powerful insight into the feminist activism that is shaking Paris and beyond, from yesterday to today, and for tomorrow.

Front page photo credit: Musée Carnavalet.