Olympe de Gouges

Olympe de Gouges was a French playwright and political activist best known for her contribution to feminist thought in the 18th century. Born Marie Gouze in 1748, she adopted her pseudonym to reflect her ideals and advocate for women’s rights. De Gouges is most famous for her work “Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen,” published in 1791, which challenged the male-centric declarations of rights of her time and argued for gender equality and the recognition of women’s rights. She addressed issues such as marriage, divorce, and motherhood, calling for social reform and women’s participation in civic life. De Gouges faced significant backlash for her views and was executed during the Reign of Terror in 1793. Today, she is recognized as a pioneering figure in the feminist movement and a significant voice in the struggle for human rights. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions around gender equality and social justice.