When researching Pauline Léon’s story, I could not help but be critical of how diminished her role in the French Revolution is portrayed. Principally, how some people negate her contributions to the fight for gender equality in France. They believe that because she prioritized the Republic’s ideals above all else her involvement in gender politics was very limited. That is, her influence on her society’s attitude towards the social and political role of women was minimal. However, to those that doubt her impact I argue that her very presence proves she was successful. In order for her to have reached the such a status of leadership, amongst other great accomplishments, she was confronted with many boundaries that she had to overcome. Which she did, to the point that she threatened the preexisting patriarchal structure.
Additionally, while the Revolution is revered as an event of joined societal effort, historically, much emphasis has been placed on male leaders’ perspectives and experiences, further contributing to the silencing of women. During such a time of chaos and violence, Léon’s voice was still able to be heard as she was revered by many women, and yet today all you can find are a handful of online articles dedicated to her legacy. This is one of the many events in history where we are left to wonder what the outcome could have been if a society did not turn on its own.
As a woman who is currently studying international relations in the hopes of one day being able to work improving our world, it was very disheartening to see how much of Léon’s efforts were in vain. While I am fortunate to have been presented with so many opportunities to help me achieve this objective, I am reminded on a daily basis the stigma that still surrounds women’s roles, especially in working environments. I have faced certain limitations, not only because of my gender, but ethnic and immigrant status as well, and cannot help but be discouraged when I hear stories of people like Léon who have attempted to better these conditions with no results. Because if someone as driven and passionate as her was so helpless in the face of adversity, then what does that mean of my future? If in the end such work and labor is going to be overlooked, should I still keep with my efforts? However, upon deeper reflection, her story was not limited to the events of the French Revolution and had far grander implications. See, when it comes to changing the world on such a radical level it is not about the praise or how much coverage an individual gets, but rather that the collective work is significant enough to inspire others. And the fact that centuries after her death a Cuban girl half way across the world is inspired by Léon is a testament of her legacy and work.
Photos by Maria Cruz CC 4.0