MABEL BIANCO WAS AWARDED THE FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR FOR HER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS IN DEFENDING WOMEN’S RIGHTS

5 noviembre, 2026 FEIM

The president and founder of FEIM was honored as a Chevalier of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honor, in recognition of her extensive work in support of human rights, gender equality, and women’s sexual and reproductive health.

Argentine feminist leader Mabel Bianco was awarded the “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur” insignia on Wednesday, November 4—a distinction granted by the French government. The ceremony took place at the French Embassy in Argentina and was attended by national officials, diplomatic representatives, and leaders of civil society organizations.

As founder and president of the Foundation for Studies and Research on Women (FEIM), Bianco‘s career in defending women’s rights dates back more than four decades, combining grassroots work, advocacy on public policy, and participation in international decision-making forums to place the rights of women and girls on the public agenda at the national, regional, and global levels.

The French Ambassador to Argentina, Romain Nadal, opened the ceremony, and then the French Ambassador for Human Rights, Isabelle Rome, presented the award, highlighting in particular Mabel’s work in the service of human rights—especially those of women, girls, and non-binary people.

“Your work and your dreams of a better world for women everywhere are at the heart of a collective commitment that, although it faces adverse winds today and may falter, does not give up or break. You have also taken on the responsibility of passing this cause on to new generations, aware of the importance of sustaining this commitment over time in the face of the risk of setbacks,” Ambassador Rome said in her speech.

This award is being presented at a critical moment, given the need to reaffirm, uphold, and strengthen these rights—especially in the current context, where human rights, and particularly those of women and girls, are facing setbacks, jeopardizing progress toward gender equality and creating new challenges that require continued advocacy.

This award is being presented at a critical moment, given the need to reaffirm, sustain and strengthen these rights—especially in the current context, where human rights, and particularly those of women and girls, are facing setbacks, jeopardizing progress toward gender equality and creating new challenges that require us to continue defending these rights.

“This recognition—which is not personal but shared with all those who fought alongside me, both in our country, throughout the region, and around the world—is also a commitment. A commitment to redouble our efforts today, and that is what I call on you to do, especially the younger generation who were born into a world where these rights were already in place but are now at risk. That is why I ask that we make a commitment today to resume the fight together. Because the rights we fought so hard to win are not guaranteed forever: they can be erased at any moment. That is why we cannot give up or stop defending them for even a minute. Together we can!! The fight continues,” Bianco asserted during her speech.

She also thanked those in attendance and gave special recognition to the remarks made by Bibiana Aído, regional director of UN Women, as well as those of the National Minister of Health, Mario Lugones. In this regard, she noted that, although they hold different positions, they are able to engage in dialogue and respect one another’s differences.

Other messages of congratulations on her award can be found here.