4 powerful women who inspire us

You can't name a powerful brand without drawing inspiration from the many women, both famous and unknown, who paved the way for women's emancipation . Let's explore four profiles that have left their mark on the history of sexual liberation and gender equality.

Their stories, their triumphs, and their determination have revolutionized our perceptions, opened up new horizons, and inspired generations. Ready to meet them?

Betty Dodson: The Explorer of Female Pleasure

Let us introduce you to Betty Dodson , one of our favorite figures in positive sexuality .

Born on August 24, 1929, she is a pioneer in the exploration of female pleasure . Initially an erotic artist, she quickly devoted herself to the study of female sexuality and orgasm .

In the 1970s, she organized workshops for women to help them connect with their own bodies, break taboos surrounding sexuality, and reclaim their desire. In her Manhattan apartment, she invited participants to observe themselves, demonstrating that vulvas come in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

Her seminal book, " Sex for One: The Joy of Selfloving, " published in 1987, has continued to inspire generations of women to embrace their sexuality and sensuality.

According to Dodson, female masturbation is a form of self-care, as it allows the brain to enter a meditative state. A revolutionary idea that resonated with many of us, including our founder, Marie. Along with Coco , Toupie, and Chouchou , she advocates an approach to well-being and self-love through masturbation.

Gloria Steinem: The Icon of Modern Feminism

Another of Marie's favorites: Gloria Steinem , an emblematic figure of the feminist movement since the 1960s . Born on March 25, 1934, she played a key role in defending women's rights and gender equality.

Her early career saw her break barriers as a journalist in a male-dominated field. She wrote extensively on women's issues and questioned the relevance of the societal pressures placed upon them . Steinem first gained renown with her investigation into working conditions at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Club.

She then co-founded the magazine "Ms." in 1972 to highlight feminist issues. Her satirical essay " If Men Could Menstruate " brilliantly reversed gender norms.

As pornography becomes more mainstream and finds its place in cinema, she strongly opposes the film Deep Throat starring Linda Lovelace . According to her, these films and magazines like Hustler are merely a reflection of male domination where women continue to be objects serving male pleasure.

Steinem also co-founded the " Women's Media Center " with Jane Fonda to promote the representation of women in the media.

Its impact on the fight for equality is invaluable.

Ménie Grégoire: The reassuring voice of popular sexual liberation

After two portraits of American activists, it was time to place a French woman in our selection of powerful and inspiring women.

Born on May 9, 1923 in Cholet, Ménie Grégoire left her mark on the landscape of sexual liberation in France . As a radio journalist and author, she was a catalyst for changing attitudes for 14 years, liberating speech about female sexuality.

From 1967 to 1981, Ménie became the confidante of millions of women across France. With "Allô Ménie", then " Responsabilité sexuelle ", she provided them with a platform where they could freely share their experiences, concerns and aspirations on such taboo subjects as sexuality, desire and relationships .

Even though the contraceptive pill was legalized in 1967 and student protests shook society in 1968, most women were still stay-at-home mothers. A far cry from our image of the sexual liberation of the seventies.

She herself said, " Back when I was doing my show, men were often a bit of a brute and women were completely uninformed ." Each episode began with a letter from a woman, as anonymous as it was personal. Upon her death in 2014, she bequeathed hundreds of letters, which are now carefully preserved in the archives of Indre-et-Loire.

A trace of the reality of women in a not-so-distant past when they could barely open a bank account in their own name.

Waris Dirie: Bond girl and activist

We finish with a model with an extraordinary career. Waris Dirie was born in 1965 into a nomadic family in the Gallacaio region, in the Somali desert near the Ethiopian border.

Her life was marked from a very young age by tragic experiences, notably female genital mutilation at the age of 5. This is a ritual practice still prevalent in some parts of the world. Fleeing a forced marriage at 13, she settled in London where she worked as a cleaner and then as an employee at McDonald's.

Fate eventually offered her an unexpected opportunity: a chance encounter with the renowned photographer Terence Donovan , who hired her for the Pirelli calendar. This pivotal moment opened the doors to the world of international modeling.

As she reached the heights of her career in the fashion world, she chose to share her story in interviews, sparking a wave of empathy and global awareness of the issue. Her powerful testimony led to her appointment as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against female genital mutilation in 1997.

Published in 1998, her autobiography Desert Flower, co-written with Cathleen Miller, became a bestseller with over 11 million copies sold. It was adapted into a film of the same name ten years later.

In 2002, she founded her own organization, the Waris Dirie Foundation , dedicated to fighting female genital mutilation.

Waris Dirie continues to raise awareness, educate and mobilize for the reproductive rights of women and girls around the world. 

The legacy of these four women inspires us to celebrate our own power and to work together toward a future where every woman can live freely and embrace her pleasure. If we had to name one last woman who inspires us at Puissante, it would undoubtedly be Marie-Claire Koulibaly , founder and CEO of Les Orchidées Rouges. Since 2017, the association has been actively fighting against female genital mutilation and we are proud to have it as a partner.