Yvette Roudy, a historical figure in women's rights, has died at 97

Tuesday 18 August 2026 - 13:43

Yvette Roudy, France's first minister specifically in charge of Women's Rights, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, at the age of 97 in Cabestany, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The announcement of her passing was made by her nephew, Jean-Pierre Saldou.

Appointed in 1981 within François Mitterrand's government, she held this position until 1986. Her time in office marked an important period in the history of French public policies dedicated to gender equality.

Reimbursement for abortion among her major battles

Yvette Roudy was particularly known for her commitment to reproductive rights. She played a key role in implementing reimbursement for voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion), an advancement that strengthened women's access to this right in France.

Her ministerial actions were part of a broader effort to integrate feminist demands into public policy. At a time when gender inequalities were deeply rooted in French society, her ministry aimed to address multiple fronts.

An emblematic law

Her name is also associated with the 1983 law on professional equality between women and men. This text is one of the main markers of her time in government.

The Roudy law established a framework aimed at combating professional discrimination based on gender and promoting better equality between women and men in the workplace.

More than four decades after its adoption, the subject remains at the heart of debates on wage gaps, access to leadership roles, and professional careers.

A long political career

Before entering the government, Yvette Roudy had already built a political career within the Socialist Party. Her commitment continued after her departure from the ministry, notably through various elected mandates.

Her name remains linked to a generation of political leaders who helped advance the position of feminist issues within French institutions.

By becoming the first minister specifically responsible for Women's Rights, she also contributed to giving new institutional visibility to these issues.

A passing in her medical residence

Yvette Roudy died Tuesday morning in a medical residence in Cabestany, where she had lived for three years, according to details provided by her nephew.

Her passing at the age of 97 concludes the journey of a political figure whose governmental actions left several important texts in French law. The reimbursement for abortion and the 1983 law on professional equality are the two legacies most directly associated with her name.