Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen

Definition

The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen, written by Olympe de Gouges in 1791, was a pivotal document that asserted women's rights and equality during the early stages of the French Revolution. This declaration was a response to the male-centric Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, emphasizing that women should also enjoy the same rights as men. It played a significant role in the broader context of 19th-century social reform movements that sought to address gender inequality and advocate for women's suffrage and other civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Olympe de Gouges argued that since women are born free and equal to men, they should have the same legal rights and responsibilities.
2. The declaration includes a series of articles that parallel the original declaration, calling for equal rights in marriage, education, and public office.
3. Despite its bold claims, the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen was largely ignored by contemporary lawmakers and advocates.
4. Olympe de Gouges faced backlash for her views, ultimately leading to her execution during the Reign of Terror in 1793.
5. The ideas expressed in this declaration laid the groundwork for later feminist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries, influencing thinkers and activists who continued to fight for gender equality.

Review Questions

• How did Olympe de Gouges's Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen challenge the existing gender norms during the French Revolution?
  • Olympe de Gouges's declaration directly challenged the prevailing gender norms by asserting that women were entitled to the same rights as men. It highlighted that women should not only be included in discussions about rights but also actively participate in society as equals. By calling for legal recognition of women's rights in marriage, education, and politics, de Gouges laid bare the inequalities present in revolutionary France and urged society to rethink its understanding of gender roles.
• Discuss the impact that the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen had on future social reform movements related to women's rights.
  • The Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen served as a foundational text for future women's rights movements by articulating demands for equality and justice. Its call for women's suffrage and legal rights resonated with later activists who sought to secure voting rights, access to education, and professional opportunities for women. As such, it influenced feminist thought throughout the 19th century, inspiring movements across Europe and America that continued to advocate for gender equality long after de Gouges's death.
• Evaluate how the lack of acceptance for Olympe de Gouges's ideas reflects broader societal attitudes towards women during this period.
  • The rejection of Olympe de Gouges's ideas illustrates a pervasive societal attitude that marginalized women's voices and contributions. During this period, traditional views on gender roles dominated, viewing women primarily as caretakers within the domestic sphere. The backlash against her declaration and her eventual execution indicate how revolutionary ideals did not extend to women’s rights. This highlights a disconnect between revolutionary rhetoric about liberty and equality and actual practices regarding women's rights, demonstrating that societal change often lags behind ideological progress.

Related terms

Olympe de Gouges:

A French playwright and political activist known for her advocacy for women's rights, particularly through her Declaration of the Rights of Woman and Female Citizen.

Women's Suffrage:

The movement aimed at securing voting rights for women, which gained momentum in the 19th century as a key aspect of social reform movements.

French Revolution:

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799, which inspired various reform movements, including those advocating for women's rights.