Île-de-France’s Railway Stations: Names and Reflections on the Place of Women in France

Abstract

The study titled "Île-de-France’s Railway Station: Names and Reflections on the Place of Women in France" delves into the significance of train station names in the Île-de-France area while exploring the impact of women in French society as reflected by these names. Utilizing a methodological approach that combines toponymic research with feminist critique, the findings reveal a remarkable trend in the 20th and 21st centuries toward acknowledging and honoring women who have played pivotal roles in driving social change across various fields, such as politics, education, science, the arts, and activism. The names of these influential women, including prominent figures like Simone Veil, Lucie Aubrac, Rosa Parks, and Marie Curie, are prominently displayed at each station, showcasing a significant transformation in French society that embraces women's contributions and champions gender equality. These names serve not only as a tribute but also as a powerful source of motivation and advocacy for gender equality in contemporary society. However, it is noteworthy that figures like Simone de Beauvoir, a key feminist thinker, and Marguerite Yourcenar, the first woman elected to the Académie Française, are absent from this recognition. This suggests a tendency to celebrate women known for their societal impact over those recognized for their literary achievements. This research highlights the interplay between naming conventions and socio-political ideologies, as well as the collective memory that shapes the urban landscape of France.