Françoise Giroud

Françoise Giroud was a major figure in French journalism, first directing *Elle* and then co-founding *L’Express* with Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber in 1953. Her forceful political writing shaped public debate, including on Pierre Mendès France and the use of torture during the Algerian War. She later entered government as secretary of state for women’s affairs and culture, while continuing to write essays and political commentary.