Meet the four inspiring women who won the Plurielles Prize at the Palace of Versailles on International Women’s Rights Day

Their names are Siham, Claire-Marie, Faïza and Ouahiba. Mother courage, activist, self-entrepreneur or volunteer, these women emerged from the shadows, this Wednesday evening, by becoming the four winners of the first Plurielles Prize. This initiative distinguishes “inspiring women” from Mureaux, Mantes-la-Ville and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. During November, the inhabitants of the three municipalities of Yvelines were invited to designate those they think deserve to come into full light.

The majestic setting of the Grand Trianon, at the Palace of Versailles, served as the setting for the award ceremony this Wednesday evening on the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day. Under the golds of the Sun King, the winners each received a check for 800 euros as well as mentoring to support them in their professional or personal project.

Fighters for the climate and against disability and poverty

“I am surprised but it is a great recognition of my commitments”, appreciates Claire-Marie Baron, retired teacher in Mantes-la-Ville invested in an eco-hamlet project. Her fight for the climate, which she inherited the common sense of her grandfather, a former miller and gardener, adds to that against social injustice.

Siham Yara, whom we met in early January in Les Mureaux, is fighting for society to recognize her 10-year-old autistic son. This distinction “will give him wings” to finalize his traveling hairdressing salon project for people with disabilities. According to this mother-courage, 2,500 children would be in demand in the velines.

Faïza Saadan, whom her husband calls “the Minister of the Interior” because of the many jobs she has had, has created a solidarity grocery store in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Developed in Trappes, Poissy and soon Massy (Essonne), his initiative creates links in the neighborhoods and allows many families to do their shopping without having to justify their poverty. “I lighten their financial and above all mental burdens”, sums up this mother of 6 children.