Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d’Arc, is a figure of French history, she became famous for leading French troops to several important victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Much more than a military leader, she was a woman of extraordinary courage and faith who defied the expectations of her time and became an inspiration to generations of feminists.
Joan of Arc’s story is often seen as a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice, and her life has inspired countless women to stand up for their rights and fight for equality. She defied gender norms and societal expectations by leading an army into battle, and she refused to be silenced or intimidated by the men who tried to undermine her authority.
“I am not afraid… I was born to do this”. Jeanne d’Arc
Never be afraid to speak your truth and fight for what you believe in.
Veuve Clicquot, also known as Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, was a woman ahead of her time. She was a French businesswoman who took over her husband’s champagne company after his untimely death, and turned it into one of the most successful champagne brands in the world. At the time, the champagne industry was male-dominated, and it was almost unheard of for a woman to run a business, let alone a champagne house.
She expanded the business by developing new distribution channels and improving the production process.
One of Barbe-Nicole’s most significant contributions to the champagne industry was the invention of the riddling table. This device made it possible to remove sediment from champagne bottles, resulting in a clearer and more refined product. The riddling table is still used in champagne production to this day.
Barbe-Nicole believed that women should have equal rights and opportunities as men, and she actively supported causes that promoted gender equality.
“I drink champagne when I win, to celebrate… and I drink champagne when I lose, to console myself.” Veuve Clicquot
Celebrate your success, but don’t give up in times of difficulty
George Sand was the pen name of French author Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin. She was one of the most prominent and prolific writers of the 19th century and is considered a trailblazer for women in literature. Throughout her life, she challenged societal norms and expectations for women, both through her writing and her personal life.
She wore men’s clothing, smoked cigars, and had numerous romantic relationships. Her unconventional behavior scandalized society, but she refused to conform to their expectations for how a woman should behave. Instead, she lived life on her own terms and became a symbol of female empowerment.
In addition to her literary contributions, Sand was also an advocate for women’s rights. She believed that women should have the same rights as men, including the right to education and the right to vote. She was a feminist before the term was even coined, and her activism paved the way for future generations of women.
“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” George Sand
She was a trailblazing feminist who believed that women had the same intellectual capabilities as men and deserved the same opportunities to pursue their passions and contribute to society.
“We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” Marie Curie
Believe in yourself, you are amazing.
In addition to her philosophical and feminist work, Simone de Beauvoir was also a celebrated literary figure, known for her novels and memoirs. Her most famous novel, “The Mandarins,” won the Prix Goncourt, France’s highest literary prize, in 1954.
“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” Simone de Beauvoir
Define yourself on your own terms
