Behind Every Good Woman is Herself

Blue text on a white background in the center with two oval patches of blue on the sides

“Behind every great man is a woman” is a phrase oft quoted historically. Originating in the 1990s, it comes from the French phrase, “cherchez la femme,” meaning “seek the woman,” and was coined by Alexandre Dumas in his novel, “Les Mohicans de Paris.” According to this phrase, all great men of influence and power are “backed” by women who are hidden from public view. The phrase recognizes the often under-acknowledged contributions of women who supported men in their professional and personal lives. Historically, this may have been a step in the right direction towards recognizing women’s vast and important contributions to society, though in more recent years it has come to imply that women exist solely in the background, relegated to a supporting role.

This button, “ Behind every good woman is herself,” recognizes a woman’s agency and accomplishments separate from men. This modern phrase celebrates women and their active participation in their own successes.