Second anniversary of the Subversives’ Circle
Celebrating Audacity and Influence: a look back at the 2nd anniversary of the Subversives’ Circle
On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel in Paris was the scene of unparalleled creative excitement. To mark our second anniversary, we brought together exceptional women leaders for a day dedicated to transformation, sisterhood, and collective power.
Subversion: A force for transformation
Born from the bold vision of Gisèle Szczyglak, The Circle asserts that subversion is not provocation, but a force for transformation: daring to step aside to challenge norms and invent new paths. This gathering celebrated our mission: to catalyze change and transcend boundaries through the diversity of our backgrounds.
Interview with prestigious guests
Marie-Pierre Rixain
Member of Parliament of the French Republic
Member of Parliament and author of the law of December 24, 2021, aimed at accelerating economic and professional equality.
She forcefully reminded us that we all have 86,400 seconds each day: a precious asset that we must learn to invest in ourselves, in order to transform our relationship with time into a lever of power and empowerment.
Pinuccia Contino
Deputy Director for Consumers & Head of Unit
Chef d’unité à la Commission Européenne, qui prône un leadership fondé sur la compassion pour répondre aux défis actuels de l’humanité.
It opens up a world of possibilities, embodying a freedom of spirit and self-confidence that give you the courage to choose and create.
Carine Durrieu Diebolt
Lawyer, Author & Former Member of the CIIVISE
Avocate spécialisée, qui contribue par ses combats judiciaires à faire changer le droit et les pratiques en matière de violences faites aux femmes.
Through her integrity and determination to defend victims, she has shown what it means to stand firm no matter what the cost.
Testimonials from one of our godmothers
The participants also had the privilege of meeting Claudine Monteil, one of our long-standing godmother. Her dynamism, boundless energy, and unwavering commitment remain an inspiring role model for us all.
Claudine Monteil, historian, writer, and former diplomat, is one of the leading figures of French feminism and an iconic patron of the Subversives’ Circle.
A close collaborator of Simone de Beauvoir, whose biography she has written, she has dedicated her life to defending women’s rights around the world. Her career, marked by unwavering commitment and infectious energy, perfectly embodies the Circle’s spirit of transmission and audacity. An inspiration to all generations, she continues to infuse the movement with an intellectual and human force that calls for action and solidarity.
More information
The program for this second anniversary
Morning
Inspiring speeches by women who embody commitment and courage:
Pinuccia Contino, European leader in compassionate leadership
Marie-Pierre Rixain, leading figure in gender equality
Carine Durrieu Diebolt, lawyer committed to women’s and children’s rights
A day to celebrate our collective power, fuel our desire for action, and make our voices heard!
Afternoon
Two immersive workshops to explore our imaginations and inner strengths:
Cabinet of Masks: defying roles, revealing possibilities
Manifesto of Desire: unleashing poetic and political power
A creative and contagious future
The day ended with a champagne cocktail party, celebrating a community where boldness becomes contagious. As highlighted by the quote from Edmond Jabès shared during the event: « To enter into oneself is to discover subversion ».
Thank you to all the Subversives for making this anniversary an act of personal and collective revolution.
