Fransk Kulturhus invites you to a conference-debate on Friday, November 8th (4-5 pm) with the author Marie-Christine Stigset.

October 1789: The people are hungry. A crowd led by a group of women arrives at the gates of Versailles to demand bread and reforms. They besiege the palace and force Louis XVI to return with them to Paris. This event, known as the Women’s March, is one of the turning points of the Revolution.

Women played an active role in the Revolution. Several of them have made their mark on history: Olympe de Gouges, Charlotte Corday, and Madame Roland are among the most famous.

Article 1 of the 1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen states: “Men are born and remain free and equal in rights.” An unprecedented proclamation for the time, which seems promising. But what does it mean for women? What degree of citizenship did the First Republic grant to women?

Marie-Christine Stigset’s conference explores the evolution of women’s status in France from the Revolution to the present day, including the Napoleonic Code, whose influence lasted until the late 20th century.

Free event if available places. Registration required (on this page).