On December 11, 2024, Prisca Thévenot, the Member of Parliament for Ensemble pour la République (EPR), shared her thoughts on the political climate and the challenges women face within it during her interview on Webedia's YouTube channel. "Il y a quand même pas mal d’opportunités pour pouvoir avoir une stabilité politique l’année prochaine," she asserted, emphasizing the potential for political stability as France approaches its next elections.
Thévenot, who previously served as the government spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Democratic Renewal, stressed the importance of unity and inclusion. "Nous devons aussi être en capacité de rassemblement large" (We must also be able to achieve broad unity), she stated, highlighting the significance of collaboration across different political factions. This sentiment echoes the thoughts of Gabriel Attal, former Prime Minister and current president of the Renaissance party, who believes there should be no barriers to political leadership based on party affiliation.
"La seule condition pour avoir énormément de possibilités à l'Assemblée nationale, c'est d’enlever les lepénistes et les mélenchonistes,” she pointed out, indicating the need to steer clear of far-right and far-left influences to create space for more moderate and progressive discussions.
Thévenot's reflections also touched on the stigma women often face within the political sphere, recounting how they are frequently ridiculed and criticized for their appearance rather than their policies. "Quand on est une femme en politique, on va toujours être jugée, commentée : qualifiée d'hystérique, simplement car on est fatiguée sur un plateau télé …" (When you are a woman in politics, you will always be judged, commented on: called hysterical simply because you are tired on TV). This statement captures the gendered double standards prevalent not only within legislative environments but also across media portrayals.
She expressed concern about how women politicians are often labeled or dismissed based on superficial attributes, rather than their capabilities or contributions. "On me trouve méchante à cause de ça. Mais je n'ose juste pas montrer mes dents!" could very well be her broader metaphor for the way society reduces women's worth to their physical looks.
Beyond her observations on sexism, Thévenot also opened up about her personal struggle with postpartum depression, which she endured for two years after the birth of her first child. "Quand on a un bébé dans les bras, ... on n'a pas de mode d'emploi. Et donc c'est normal de pas aller bien," (When you have a baby, ... you don't have instructions. So it's normal not to feel okay). Thévenot's candid admission serves as a reminder of the multifaceted expectations placed on women, both as professionals and mothers.
These reflections are not merely personal but resonate with the larger issue of women's representation in politics. "Je constate que la politique a permis de faire évoluer beaucoup de choses concernant la condition des femmes... Dans le privé. Mais pas en politique!" (I see politics has allowed for many changes concerning women's conditions… in private life. But not politically!). This highlights the persistent barriers women face and the work still required to achieve equitable representation.
Despite the challenges discussed, Thévenot maintains some optimism for the future. "Il faut rester vigilant sur la place des femmes en politique. Car on peut toujours être ramenées en arrière," she concluded (We must remain vigilant about women's place in politics. Because we can always be pushed backward). Her words are both a call to action and a reminder of the continuous struggle for gender equality within political systems.
Throughout the interview, Thévenot’s openness to discuss sensitive topics, from sexism to postpartum depression, reflects her commitment to initiating necessary conversations about women's roles and rights within the political arena. Her insights contribute to the broader dialogue on how women are perceived and treated, not just as lawmakers but as individuals with complex lives and experiences.