“Who was Thérèse Clerc?” I ask you. Let me tell you about a remarkable woman. Thérèse Clerc was a French feminist activist. She championed women’s rights. She fought for reproductive freedom.
Thérèse Clerc was born in 1927. She grew up in Bagnolet. Her father worked for a bookmaking company. She married young and had four children. For a time, she was a housewife.
But Thérèse felt a calling. She became involved in activism. She joined the Movement for Freedom of Abortion and Birth Control. Until 1975, abortions were illegal. Thérèse bravely performed clandestine abortions in her apartment. She helped women in need.
The Veil Law legalized abortion in 1975. Thérèse continued to fight for women. In 2000, she founded the Maison des Femmes. It was a cultural and social center. It aided women who had experienced violence. Later, it was renamed Maison Thérèse Clerc.
Thérèse Clerc had another dream. She envisioned a self-managed home for elderly women. It finally came to fruition. The Maison des Babayagas opened in 2013. This unique residence offered elderly women independence and community.
“Babayaga” means “witch” in Slavic mythology. The Maison des Babayagas offered 25 self-contained flats. Residents paid around 420 euros a month. The building also housed a university for senior citizens. Thérèse believed it was never too late to learn.
Residents shared chores. They contributed to the community. Feminism, solidarity, and ecology were key principles. The Maison des Babayagas became a haven. It was a place where women could age with dignity. It provided activities and intellectual stimulation.
In 2008, Thérèse Clerc received the Legion of Honour. Simone Veil presented the award. It recognized her lifelong dedication to women’s rights.
Thérèse Clerc passed away in 2016. She left behind a powerful legacy. She transformed the lives of countless women. She showed the world that aging could be an age of freedom. She was a true pioneer.
As you stand here at Mail Thérèse Clerc remember her name. Remember her tireless work. Her spirit lives on in Montreuil. Her vision inspires people even today. Thérèse Clerc’s life was a testament to her beliefs. She was a fierce fighter for women’s rights. She created communities. She empowered elderly women. She changed the world.