Women at the Helm: Our Role in Exploring and Restoring the Planet

As a woman who has dedicated my life to exploring and restoring the planet, I’ve often found myself in the traditionally male-dominated world of exploration—where expectations were different for women, and challenges seemed to arise at every turn. Yet, I’ve also seen something remarkable happening: more young women are stepping forward, making essential contributions to our understanding of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. And I couldn’t be prouder to witness this transformation.

Growing up as the granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau, one of the most iconic explorers of the 20th century, I was acutely aware of the impact that exploration and conservation could have on our world. My grandfather’s adventures—documented in films and books that inspired generations—ignited my own passion for the oceans. However, I’ve always been aware of the unspoken truth in our family: my grandmother, Simone Melchior Cousteau, was just as essential to those legendary expeditions, even if her role was rarely in the spotlight.

Simone, or "The Shepherdess" as she was affectionately called by the crew, was my grandfather’s rock, managing the logistics behind their expeditions, handling the grueling conditions aboard their ship Calypso, and fiercely protecting the well-being of the crew. Without her, many of those pioneering missions might not have been possible. And yet, despite being an integral part of those adventures, she was often relegated to the background—a fate so many women explorers of her era faced.

The Challenges of Being a Woman Explorer

When I first began my own journey into exploration, I quickly realized that the world hadn’t changed as much as I’d hoped. Despite my passion for the oceans and my family’s legacy, I had to continuously prove myself in environments where women were few and far between. There were moments when I was dismissed or underestimated, where I had to fight for recognition and respect in rooms where my male colleagues were automatically taken seriously.

Like many women in this field, I encountered the bias that suggests women aren’t as capable in physically demanding situations, or that we lack the ‘adventurous spirit’ expected of explorers. But I knew that my contributions—and those of other women like me—were just as valuable. We brought different perspectives to the table, deeper empathy for the ecosystems we studied, and a unique resilience that allowed us to thrive, even in hostile environments.

In spite of the challenges, I carved out my own path. Through perseverance, passion, and hard work, I was able to push past those barriers and prove that women are not only capable of exploration but that we’re an essential part of its future. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to be part of extraordinary expeditions, contribute to groundbreaking research, and continue my family’s legacy of ocean conservation.

A Changing Tide: Women Leading the Way

But perhaps the most exciting part of my journey has been witnessing how the world of exploration is changing. More and more young women are joining this community, and they’re doing incredible work. From marine biologists and conservationists to deep-sea divers and documentary filmmakers, women are now taking on leadership roles in exploring and protecting our planet.

These women are not just participating—they’re driving innovation. They’re leading studies on climate change’s impact on marine ecosystems, developing sustainable fishing practices, and even using cutting-edge technology to map the ocean’s deepest, most uncharted areas. Their voices are amplifying the call for urgent action to protect our planet’s biodiversity, and their passion is inspiring a new generation of explorers.

I’ve had the privilege of working with some of these women, and their contributions cannot be overstated. They bring diverse perspectives, collaborate more openly, and often approach problems with creativity and empathy. These qualities are essential in exploration, particularly as we move into an era where our planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges.

The Legacy of Women in Exploration

The truth is, women have always been part of the exploration story, even if their roles haven’t always been recognized. My grandmother, Simone, was the quiet strength behind my grandfather’s expeditions, just as many women today are the driving force behind important discoveries and environmental victories.

As more women continue to rise in the exploration community, we are also rewriting history. We’re showing that exploration is not just about conquering the wild or achieving personal glory. It’s about connection—to the Earth, to each other, and to the communities we serve.

The work we do as explorers is about more than just mapping uncharted territories or studying marine life. It’s about restoration—of the oceans, of ecosystems, and of the balance between humanity and nature. And in this moment, women are stepping up to lead that restoration.

Moving Forward, Together

I know that the journey hasn’t always been easy—for myself or for the countless women who have come before me. But I also know that our contributions have never been more essential. The world is changing, and the challenges we face are immense. We need all voices, all talents, and all perspectives to meet those challenges head-on.

To the young women out there dreaming of exploration, conservation, or simply making a difference in the world, I want to say this: Your voice matters. Your passion, your creativity, and your resilience are exactly what the world needs right now. The path may not always be smooth, but it’s one worth taking. Because we need more women explorers—both to protect the planet and to ensure that the next generation has a future worth exploring.

As my grandmother once showed through her quiet strength, and as I have learned through my own experiences, the future of exploration is bright—and women will be at the helm.