PEGGY BOUCHET

« Always dare, sometimes give in, never give up » ^©

1st woman who dared to row across the Atlantic

My Commitments

Commitment has always been part of my DNA. From an early age, I was driven by a deep desire to share the values instilled by my parents and cultivated through my unique experiences. My life, punctuated by challenges, obstacles and victories, has enabled me to understand the power of exemplarity, and the importance of commitment, transmission, courage and resilience. In a society where we forbid ourselves more than we hope, let’s remember that our future, our life, is not an inheritance but a decision, an action.

Here are some of my key initiatives and commitments.

Les Enfants du Léman

In 2016, I created the “Association Enfants du Léman”, which I chair and whose aim is to make the dreams of children with critical illnesses come true, on a local scale, around Lake Geneva (in France and Switzerland). I’ve always been sensitive to the cause of children fighting against illness. In the past, as national godmother and in the Chablais region of the “Virades de l’Espoir”, their maturity, their outlook on life and their unfailing energy have always touched me deeply.

These children are models of courage, enthusiasm, fighting spirit and hope… virtues and qualities that many of us take for granted. For them, they need to be constantly renewed. Their dreams are a support, a reserve force in the fight against illness. That’s why, together, we must support them. Today, through the “Association Enfants du Léman” and our small team of volunteers, I wanted to continue to invest myself fully in this cause.

A child’s dream is always a mixture of simple pleasures, moments of life and emotions that turn into a formidable human adventure.

For us volunteers, each dream is a lesson in life. We are fully aware that overcoming illness and disability to live one’s dreams is a constant challenge. These courageous children have turned their fragility into strength, a strength they have built up thanks to their energy and the precious support of their families.

Conquerors of Life, they are not afraid to explore, to learn, to cultivate their uniqueness. For them, their pathology is not an obstacle, it’s a success that they train for every day.

Ozinspire

Having experienced this on several occasions in my youth, I’m a great believer, from childhood onwards, in encouraging the culture of projects:

On the one hand, it allows you to apply your school knowledge and to develop your skills in a concrete area.
On the other hand, it also encourages autonomy, responsibility, teamwork and creativity, as well as public speaking and a spirit of initiative – elements and values that are more essential than ever in today’s society.

Fostering the culture of projects is not intended to turn young people into entrepreneurs later on, but to teach them to better understand empathy, listening skills, creativity and commitment, to develop and improve ideas together, to exercise their curiosity and critical thinking skills, while instilling in them the humility to start again when obstacles arise. A real-life lesson in life!

OZINSPIRE is a program designed to help young people “cross their Atlantic”.

The specific and unique DNA is to offer an emblematic, powerful (with exemplary and inspiring speakers, strong messages) and inclusive program touching on common “roots” and values, essential for success: self-confidence, commitment, managing failure, managing emotions, audacity, surpassing oneself, the strength of the collective.

OZINSPIRE is designed to help young people reveal themselves so that they become aware of their talents, to support them in their projects. An experience charged with meaning, personal challenges to take up, but also social ties, recognition, pride and a sense of belonging to a collective.

Women's Empowerment

Thanks to my career and my background, I have been commited to women empowerment for a long time.

In 2018, I was honored to speak at the plenary session of the WOMEN’S FORUM for the Economy & Society (the Women’s Davos) in Paris. The theme: “Be the Bridge and Dare!” moderated by Clara Gaymard, President of the Women’s Forum. 2,300 women leaders from all over the world, meeting inspiring women who dare, innovate, create and share their vision in a fast-changing world.

In March 2024, I was delighted to answer questions from Guila Clara Kessous for UNESCO as part of Women’s Rights Day. Well done and thank you Guila Clara and UNESCO for your wonderful, inspiring and committed initiative: ‘Femina Vox’, the online talk with personalities, emblematic voices in different fields, to promote women’s rights, in partnership with Global Peace Education.

Godmother of the Évian - Chablais PMM Center*

The Navy has always held a special place in my heart and in my life. It was a precious and faithful partner during my two Atlantic crossings. Thanks to the crew of the Batral Francis Garnier, my rowing boat has been found and recovered. Their warm welcome on my arrival in Martinique for my second and victorious crossing will remain with me forever.

During my 16 years in Brest, I had the opportunity to take a sea survival course at the CESSAN, and to embark many times on board the prestigious ROYALE ships, from the Charles de Gaulle to the Jeanne d’Arc, always appreciating their sense of hospitality and uprightness. When I was preparing for and obtaining my pilot’s license, even my instructor was a former squadron leader in the Aéronavale, proving that the French Navy is a great big family.

As Godmother of the Évian Chablais PMM Center, I’m always keen to share my unique experience with young people and to support them. Throughout our lives, there are experiences and encounters that encourage us to discover ourselves and others, and PMM is one of them.

The Navy, like the Sea, is a wonderful School of Life, but also a School of Action. For me, it’s important to share my experience with young people. It’s an opportunity to pass on, by example, the strong values that drive us: courage, surpassing oneself, collective strength and honor.

*: The PMMs are intended to promote the Navy at the local level while contributing to recruitment. The objective of the training cycle: to discover the Navy, its missions and its values by combining theory and practice.

PEGGY BOUCHET

1ère femme à avoir osé traverser l’Atlantique à la rame