The representative confederation of the French social economy (ESS France) has published the book « Le Matrimoine : ce que nous ont transmis les pionnières de l’ESS (1830-1999) » by Scarlett Wilson-Courvoisier, published by Campus Ouvert. This work traces the journeys of around one hundred women who shaped the history of the social and solidarity economy, highlighting their role in the creation of schools, mutual societies, cooperatives, and other innovative structures.
This publication forms part of the ongoing project “The Heritage of Women in the Social and Solidarity Economy,” led by ESS France. A true tribute to memory, it constitutes an essential historical synthesis to better recognize the contributions of women pioneers and to encourage reflection on gender equality within the sector.
Through these life stories, placed in their historical, legal, and social contexts, the book helps bring to light contributions that have long remained overlooked.
An immense legacy
The stories of each of these pioneers reveal just how much society owes them for the first nursery schools and active learning methods, the first centres specialising in childcare, protection and rehabilitation tailored to various population groups (people with disabilities, sex workers, the elderly, among others); as well as the creation of numerous social and healthcare professions (nurses, social workers, special education teachers, etc.) and the first schools training individuals for these professions.
But we also owe them testimony of their courage and perseverance in their struggle for women’s emancipation (for the right to speak out, the right to vote, etc.) and in their fight for women’s rights, such as the right to autonomy, the right to use contraception, or the freedom to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. They actively contributed to the press, adult education, and industry, advocating for a different model of society and entrepreneurship.
According to ESS France, the example of their lives, the paths they forged, and the ideas they defended should inspire us both in today’s struggles of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and in asserting the rightful place of women’s ideas and actions within the sector.
