In the heart of the 17th arrondissement, the Statue of Maria Deraismes stands as a tribute to a pioneering figure in women’s rights and education.
Originally inaugurated in 1898, this monument was sculpted by Louis-Ernest Barrias and located in Square des Épinettes.
Deraismes, known for her advocacy of women’s rights and secularism, was a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire.
A Symbol of Progress
Maria Deraismes was not only a prominent advocate for women’s rights but also a key figure in the establishment of the first women’s rights organization in France.
Her efforts in promoting education for women and advocating for their access to the same rights as men were groundbreaking in the late 19th century. The statue serves as a reminder of her contributions to the women’s suffrage movement and her tireless fight against gender inequality.
Historical Significance and Restoration
The statue faced a tragic fate during World War II when it was destroyed by the Vichy government in 1943, following the law of October 11, 1941, which mandated the removal of public monuments made of copper alloys. This act was part of a broader campaign to eliminate figures deemed incompatible with the Petainist ideology.
Fortunately, the statue was recast in 1983 by the Coubertin foundry and was re-erected in the same square, ensuring that Deraismes’ legacy would endure. This restoration not only honored her contributions but also marked a significant step in reclaiming the narrative of historical figures marginalized by oppressive regimes.
Memorials and Recognitions
Maria Deraismes’ influence extends beyond her statue. She owned a house in Pontoise, where a street bears her name, commemorating her connection to the area.
Additionally, a bust of her, previously destroyed alongside the statue, was reinstated in the bois de l’Hermitage, north of the city, thanks to the efforts of the Laïque Association of Friends of Maria Deraismes. This bust was unveiled on September 22, 2000, further solidifying her place in the cultural and historical landscape of Paris.
In 1894, a street in the 17th arrondissement was named after her, and around 1980, a vocational high school located at 19 Rue Maria-Deraismes paid homage to her enduring impact on education and women’s rights in France.