French politics still views women as illegitimate in wielding power, according to one researcher, eight decades after the first female parliamentarians were elected.

French politics still views women as illegitimate in wielding power, according to one researcher, eight decades after the first female parliamentarians were elected.

New & Improved: Women Making Their Mark – Evolution of Women in the French National Assembly

In the heart of Europe, France took a historic leap in 1945 when women were finally granted the right to vote. A mere year later, 33 trailblazing women stormed the halls of the National Assembly, with April 1945 marking their first elections. Their arrival was a bold step forward in the fight for gender equality, echoing the transformative spirit of post-war France. But it wasn't all sunshine and roses – these pioneering ladies faced obstacles in securing support from their fellow male parliamentarians.

The winds of change blew in as democracy took roots in France, following the collapse of the Vichy regime and the Second World War. The legislative elections of 1945 saw an unstoppable wave of female representatives enter the Constituent Assembly, kicking off their journey in shaping the nation's future.

Dance, ladies, dance – the evolution of women in the National Assembly

The journey of women in French legislative power took off in 1945 but remained slow-paced. Take a look at the fascinating milestones along the way:

1. The Early Years (1945-1960s): With baby steps, the bloom of women in parliament gradually appeared. Numbers fluctuated, but their presence remained minimal until the latter half of the 20th century.
2. The Emergence (1970s-1990s): The feminist movement rocked the world and soon rescued women's representation in France. The proportion of women representatives steadily increased, though they were still a rare sight in the Assembly.
3. The Parité Era (2000s): Women's representation was revolutionized with the Parité laws in 2000 that aimed for equal representation of men and women on electoral lists. This legislation paved the way for a growing influx of women candidates, resulting in a more gender-balanced National Assembly.
4. Modern Strides (2010s-Present): In the 21st century, the proportion of women reps has skyrocketed, with approximately 40% of seats in the National Assembly occupied by women in the elections of 2017 and 2022. This remarkable achievement reflects the society's growing demand for gender equality and political representation.

Embrace the change – recent shifts in numbers

Have things truly changed in political France? It's worth considering, as the landscape of the National Assembly has undeniably evolved:

• Critics argue that the 2017 elections, buoyed by the arrival of candidates affiliated with Emmanuel Macron, produced peculiar numbers. The novelty of La République en marche achieved parity in its lists and an overwhelming victory.
• The legislative elections of June 2024 shook things up with an unexpected dissolution, resulting in a rushed process of selecting candidates. Women faced disadvantages in these circumstances, making up only 41.1% of candidates. Furthermore, a study by Le Monde found that 41.4% of women candidates, spanning all parties, were tapped for contests where they had little chance of success.
• Despite the meager representation of women on the Assembly's benches, the Bureau of the National Assembly is 59% female, and Yaël Braun-Pivet holds the prestigious position of President, the fourth-highest official in the land.

Will the 2022 Prime Minister be a Lady? Let's talk Turkey!

Is it too early to celebrate a third female Prime Minister in post-Edith Cresson France? Some remain hopeful, as two prime ministerships have already been held by women, but the reception of past female leaders offers a stark reminder of the challenges. The career of Madame Cresson highlights the insidious sexism lurking beneath the surface of the "superficial parity" we see today.

Echoes of "superficial parity" and the entrenched watermelon

Marie-Christine Vergiat, a Socialist member of the European Parliament, addresses the matter of gender equality in a powerful and poignant manner:

In the same vein, Dr. Valerie Tiberi, a renowned French feminist, shed light on the underlying issues faced by women in political life:

Power, my dear, is not given, it's conquerable

Women are no strangers to the political arena and have steadfastly taken their positions, as evidenced by the diligent efforts of the few who aspired to the highest office: Arlette Laguiller in the 1974 presidential elections and Segolene Royal in 2007, to name a few. Feminist movements have activated a wave of change, yet it will likely take years before we get to the desired shore of gender equality in political life.

1. The recent elections of 2017, marked by the rise of candidates affiliated with Emmanuel Macron, saw an unusual balance of candidates, with equal representation between men and women on electoral lists, known as the "superficial parity."
2. Edith Cresson, France's second female Prime Minister, experienced firsthand the subtle sexism that persists in political circles, despite the appearance of gender balance.
3. Marie-Christine Vergiat, a member of the European Parliament, criticizes the insidious sexism that persists in the name of superficial parity, likening it to a Trojan horse infiltrating institutions.
4. Dr. Valerie Tiberi, a prominent French feminist, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women in politics, stating that the power structures and representations remain entrenched, merely painted green.

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