La Citoyenne

Research Status: Moderate Last Updated: 2025-01-23 Diary Coverage: Up to 1881-03-06

A French feminist newspaper founded and edited by Hubertine Auclert in 1881. The title "La Citoyenne" (The (Female) Citizen) asserted women's claim to full citizenship rights.

Historical Context

La Citoyenne was the first French feminist newspaper entirely directed by a woman. Published from February 1881 to 1891, it advocated for women's suffrage, legal equality, and social reforms. The newspaper provided a platform for feminist voices and reported on the women's rights movement both in France and internationally.

Editorial Line

Under Auclert's direction, La Citoyenne promoted:

• Women's suffrage as primary goal
• Reform of marriage laws and women's legal status
• Women's economic independence
• Education and professional opportunities for women

Diary References

• March 2, 1881: Marie mentions wanting to become a shareholder ("actionnaire") in La Citoyenne with 500 francs
• March 6, 1881: Marie's article is published in La Citoyenne. She writes: "Ça m'empêche d'être contente de voir mon article imprimé dans La Citoyenne. Lisez aussi celui de Hubertine qui est très remarquable."

Marie's Involvement

Marie is both a financial supporter (wanting to buy shares) and a contributor (publishing articles). This demonstrates her serious engagement with the feminist cause, not merely social dabbling. Publishing in La Citoyenne aligned her publicly with the women's suffrage movement.

Significance

For an aristocratic young woman to invest in and write for a radical feminist newspaper was highly unconventional. It shows Marie's genuine political commitments and her willingness to challenge social expectations.

Sources

• French feminist press history
• Hubertine Auclert biographical studies
• Studies of 19th-century women's rights movements