On Thursday, April 9th, a round table discussion will welcome several local elected officials to share their experiences and discuss the role of women in politics. Over nearly 70 years of the Fifth Republic, only two women, Edith Cresson and Elisabeth Borne, have served as Prime Minister. France ranks 36th globally in political parity within parliaments. In 2024, only women held senatorial positions, a proportion similar to that in the National Assembly. Locally, these inequalities persist, with only 20% of mayors in Aude being women.
While the gender parity law passed in 2000 has increased the number of women in democratic institutions, it has not transformed power dynamics. Positions of responsibility remain predominantly male. This leads to the question: what is the current role of women in politics?
To shed light on these challenges, a public round table will take place at the Departmental Archives of Aude on Thursday, April 9th at 6 p.m. The discussion will focus on the place of women in the political sphere, their engagement, persistent invisibility, and the challenges of gender parity in democracy, amidst feminist advancements and lingering sexism.
Local elected officials such as Hélène Sandragné, president of the Aude department council, Gisèle Jourda, senator of Aude, and Jessica Servet, mayor of Trausse-Minervois, will share their experiences. The event will be moderated by Sylvie Chaperon, a professor of contemporary gender history at Toulouse Jean-Jaurès University, an honorary member of the French University Institute, and an expert in feminist history, including Simone de Beauvoir, and the history of sexuality.
Despite recent progress and awareness, the political world remains highly competitive, relatively precarious, and often tinged with sexism. This is why the Departmental Archives, along with the Department of Aude, are committed to providing a platform for women’s voices to raise awareness, foster discussions, and potentially inspire new vocations.
Practical information: The round table will be held at the Departmental Archives of Aude Marcel-Rainaud, 41 avenue Claude Bernard, Carcassonne. Open to adults. Duration: 1 hour. Registration required, subject to availability. By email: archives@aude.fr and by phone: 04 68 11 31 54.
