-
Farmer protests in France: more blockades as ‘emergency law’ announced
Local union branches are protesting nationwide but unions are divided on next steps
-
Ryanair reopens Tours-London route for summer 2026
All four of the Irish airline’s summer services have returned to the airport
-
Marine Le Pen appeals public office ban: how could this impact France's 2027 presidential election?
Month-long appeal begins today but no result is expected until summer 2026
Women pioneers in French submarines
Four female naval officers have become the first to complete a mission on a French nuclear battle submarine after being barred from such work since the service was founded.
Named only with their forenames under security restrictions, Harmonie, Pauline, Camille and Karen, joined 110 male colleagues for a 70-day mission on Vigilant, based at Ile Longue, Finistère.
The Marine Nationale opened the way for women officers to join submarine crews in 2014 as, unlike the male crew, officers have their own private quarters with shower.
The four were among the first to sign up. Harmonie, Pauline and Camille hold the rank enseigne de vaisseau while Karen is a capitaine de corvette. Each is a specialist with Harmonie in charge of dive safety, Camille officer of the watch, Pauline medic and Karen nuclear reactor specialist.
On Bastille Day Karen marched on the Champs-Elysées with some of the men of the Vigilant crew to mark the 500th patrol of France’s nuclear strike force since 1972.
Advertisement
France’s armed forces have 15% women, fourth in the world after Israel, Hungary and the US.
