Here Are Some Highly Influential Women From Guadeloupe, Spanning Literature, Politics, Sports, Culture, And More

Here are some highly influential women from Guadeloupe, spanning literature, politics, sports, culture, and more:

Literary & Cultural Figures

• Maryse Condé (1934–2024) — One of the Caribbean’s most celebrated novelists, acclaimed for works like Segu and I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem. She received the New Academy Prize in 2018. Her writings focus on colonialism, identity, and diaspora.
• Gerty Dambury (b. 1957) — Playwright, novelist, educator, and theatre director. Known for Lettres indiennes (Crosscurrents) and the novel Les rétifs, she received the Prix Carbet de la Caraïbe et du Tout‑Monde in 2015.

Political Leaders & Activists

• Gerty Archimède (1909–1980) — First woman lawyer in Guadeloupe, the second Black woman elected to the French National Assembly (1946–1951), and founder of the Union des Femmes Guadeloupéennes. A prominent feminist and advocate for social justice.
• Josette Borel‑Lincertin (b. 1941) — Former President of both the Regional Council (2012–2014) and the Departmental Council (2015–2021). A key figure in Guadeloupe’s modern political landscape.
• Sonia Pétro — Deputy mayor of Basse‑Terre since 2020, leader in the Republicans party in Guadeloupe, and an influential voice in regional and national politics.

Arts, Media & Cuisine

• Babette de Rozières (b. 1947) — Renowned Creole chef, television presenter, restaurateur, and politician born in Pointe‑à‑Pitre. She blends culinary artistry with public engagement.

Sports and Entertainment Icons

• Marie‑Josée Pérec (b. 1968) — Legendary sprinter, Olympic triple gold medalist in the 200 m and 400 m. Widely celebrated in Guadeloupe and France.
• Christine Arron (b. 1973) — Elite sprinter with European record of 10.73 s in the 100 m. Part of relay gold at World Championships and Olympic bronze medalist.

Beauty & Media Figures

• Clémence Botino — Miss Guadeloupe 2019 and Miss France 2020. She represented France at Miss Universe and remains a public figure promoting multicultural identity.
• Ophély Mézino — Miss Guadeloupe 2018, first runner-up Miss France 2019, and Miss World Europe/dakar, soon to be Miss Universe Guadeloupe 2025. She advocates for accessibility, being daughter of deaf‑hard‑of‑hearing parents.

Summary Table