124 years ago, the automobile became feminine
This page is translated from the original post "Il y a 124 ans, l’automobile devenait féminine" in French.
- 10/09/2025 11:54
An official decree of September 10, 1901, engraved in the French language that the automobile is feminine.
On that day, the word “automobile” was recognized as feminine, highlighting not just the novelty of this vehicle but also a social and symbolic dimension.
At that time, the automobile was already an object of fascination and modernity, reserved for an almost exclusively male elite. Yet, some bold women did not wait for the decree to get behind the wheel. Pioneers like Camille du Gast, who participated in automobile races during the Belle Époque, paved the way, showing that technology and speed were not exclusively male domains.
The automobile has become more than just a word
The 1901 decree did not only change grammar; it marked a cultural turning point. It officially creates an image of a modern invention, accessible to everyone, including women. It symbolically opens the way for female emancipation in the field of mobility. Driving a car then becomes more than a practical act: it is a gesture of freedom and independence.
Today, this feminization of the automobile is reflected in all aspects of the industry. From drivers to engineers, designers to automotive influencers, women are shaping modern mobility and the road. Manufacturers take their needs into account, whether for comfort, safety, or design, and gatherings of women around the passion for automobiles are multiplying worldwide.
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Thus, September 10, 1901, remains a symbolic date, the day when the already revolutionary automobile definitively took on a feminine hue in language and in minds. More than a word, it is an invitation to celebrate all the women who have contributed and continue to contribute to reinventing the road.
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