Women and political rights : from the "right to vote" to "a fair share"

Abstract

The evolution of the status of women in public law. The principle of equality, which represents the most significant moment in the Charter of the French Revolution making specific reference to "without sexual distinction", has long been a theoretical affirmation in clear contrast with the body of legislation which in both private and public law introduced gender differences. Olimpia de Gouges's "Declaration of women's and citizens' rights", through which both civil and political equality between man and woman was vindicated, and a large number of women's groups were set-up during the French Revolution, did not succeed in preventing the exclusion of women from the enjoyment of their fundamental rights. The worst privation was that of the right to citizenship which entailed their exclusion from the electorate and from individual public rights. A law in 1797, which decreed the dissolution of women's groups, actually prevented women from becoming involved in politics, taking away the possibility to participate in assemblies or to take up public office.