How many women have been interred in the Panthéon since 1791?

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Two women have been interred in the Panthéon since 1791.

Since 1791, a total of two women have been interred in the Panthéon. This stands in stark contrast to the number of men laid to rest there, which reaches 69 individuals. The most recent additions, Geneviève de Gaulle-Anthonioz and Germaine Tillion, were admitted in 2015, alongside two male Resistance fighters, Jean Zay and Pierre Brossolette.
Recent Additions Highlight Gender Imbalance

The inclusion of de Gaulle-Anthonioz and Tillion marked a significant moment, as they joined Marie Curie as the only women admitted on merit in over two centuries. Prior to this, the chemist Marcellin Berthelot had ensured his wife's burial alongside him, and Ms Curie was also interred there. These figures underscore the historical underrepresentation of remarkable French women in this esteemed national mausoleum.
Criteria for Panthéon Admission

Admission to the Panthéon is described as severely restricted, intended to honour those who have brought honour to the nation. Figures like Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Louis Braille are cited as examples of individuals interred for their significant contributions. However, the historical record also shows instances, such as Napoleon I's tenure, where over half of the mausoleum's occupants were interred, with many now largely unknown to contemporary French society.
International Comparison Points to Disparity

A comparison with London's Westminster Abbey, which served as an inspiration for the Panthéon, reveals a different scenario. Online lists for Westminster Abbey indicate a substantial number of accomplished women interred there, far exceeding the Panthéon's figures. This contrast further emphasizes the disparity in the recognition of women's contributions within the Panthéon's hallowed halls.

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How many women have been interred in the Panthéon since 1791?

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