Women at the Helm: Our Role in Exploring and Restoring the Planet
The role of women in exploration is evolving in exciting and meaningful ways, and I have seen firsthand how these contributions are finally being recognized. Where once women were largely relegated to the background, often overlooked in the shadow of male explorers, today they are stepping into the spotlight, leading groundbreaking expeditions and shaping the future of discovery. From marine conservation to space exploration, women are bringing their expertise, creativity, and unwavering determination to the forefront. I am inspired by the way these women are challenging old paradigms, redefining what it means to explore, and proving that their leadership is just as crucial to the success of these missions as any other. Their stories are no longer silenced or diminished—they are being celebrated, and it’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much more we can achieve when we embrace the full spectrum of human potential.
Trailblazers Who Changed the Narrative
Women have always played pivotal roles in exploration, even when their contributions went unrecognized. From managing logistics to making scientific discoveries, they often worked behind the scenes, their efforts overshadowed by the men who received the accolades. Consider the countless women who supported expeditions as navigators, researchers, and even financiers—roles critical to the success of these ventures, yet rarely acknowledged. These women laid the groundwork for exploration while remaining invisible to history.
A handful of women have broken through this invisibility, becoming celebrated trailblazers in their fields. Amelia Earhart, with her daring solo flights across the Atlantic, redefined what women could achieve in aviation and exploration. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, shattered barriers in the traditionally male-dominated world of science and exploration, proving that the stars were within reach for everyone. Sylvia Earle, a true trailblazer in marine exploration, has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what’s possible beneath the waves, inspiring countless others with her pioneering work in ocean conservation and her relentless advocacy for protecting our seas. Cristina Mittermeier, a marine biologist and conservation photographer, exemplifies the modern explorer—using her voice and artistry to bring global attention to the plight of our oceans. These women have inspired generations, showing that exploration was not limited by gender.
Simone Cousteau and the Quiet Strength of Women
Growing up as the granddaughter of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, one of the most iconic explorers of the 20th century, I was acutely aware of the impact exploration and conservation could have on the world. My grandfather’s adventures—captured in his films and books—ignited my own passion for the oceans. But everyone in the family knew the truth: my grandmother, Simone Melchior Cousteau, was just as essential to those legendary expeditions as my grandfather was, even if her role rarely took the spotlight.
Simone, affectionately called "The Shepherdess" by the crew, was the backbone of the expeditions, managing logistics, enduring grueling conditions aboard the Calypso, and fiercely protecting the well-being of the team. Her role was one of quiet yet immeasurable influence, shaping the daily rhythm of the missions. While others were focused on the more visible aspects of the expeditions, such as diving and scientific research, Simone ensured that the practicalities of life aboard the ship ran smoothly. She navigated the complexities of coordinating supplies, ensuring that the crew had the right tools, food, and equipment to perform their tasks. During the long, often grueling hours at sea, it was Simone who held the team together with her unwavering calm and practical nature.
Her ability to endure the hardships of life aboard the Calypso—the rough seas, the cramped quarters, and the unrelenting pace of the missions—was nothing short of remarkable. She spent countless hours in the engine room, on deck, and in the galley, ensuring that everything and everyone was where they needed to be. But it wasn’t just her physical endurance that made her indispensable; it was her emotional strength and her fierce loyalty to the team. Simone’s protective instinct toward her colleagues was unparalleled. She stood up for them, often shielding them from unnecessary risks and ensuring that their health and safety were prioritized, even when the mission was at its most challenging.
Yet, like so many women explorers of her era, Simone’s contributions were often relegated to the background, overshadowed by the more public-facing roles of her male counterparts. While my grandfather, Jacques Cousteau, received the lion’s share of recognition for the missions, Simone's role as the linchpin of the team often went unnoticed by the outside world. Despite her central role, her name was seldom mentioned in the reports or the media coverage, and her work was frequently dismissed as secondary to the scientific discoveries and adventurous exploits of the male explorers. Simone's legacy, however, is not just in the success of the missions, but in the way she carved out a path for women in a field that had long been dominated by men. Her quiet strength ensured the success of my grandfather’s missions, and her contributions, though often unseen, were critical to the very survival and progress of the team.
Jan Cousteau: From the Runway to the High Seas
My mother, Jan Sullivan Cousteau, led a life that was as adventurous as it was unexpected. Before meeting my father, she graced the runways of New York City as a fashion model, epitomizing glamour and sophistication. But when their worlds collided, she traded the bright lights of the catwalk for the untamed challenges of life on expedition. For 13 years until his death, she was the only American and the only woman on his crew. In a space where few women dared to venture, my mother became the heart of the operation.
She cooked three meals a day for the entire team under grueling conditions, often improvising with limited supplies. With her own hands, she built what was needed, from makeshift repairs to essential tools, and masterfully coordinated the endless details that kept the team functioning. She worked tirelessly, without pay or recognition, driven by her love for my father, her belief in their shared mission, and her own adventurous spirit.
It had none of the glamour she left behind, but my mother embraced it, thriving in an environment that demanded resilience, ingenuity, and an unyielding sense of purpose. Her adaptability and her strength continue to inspire me every day, reminding me that true adventure lies in the courage to dive headfirst into the unknown—and the tenacity to make it work.
A Changing Tide: Women of Today
Unlike my grandmother and mother, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a generation where women’s voices are beginning to be heard and their contributions recognized. When I first began my journey into exploration, I quickly realized the field hadn’t entirely shaken off its male-dominated roots. I had to prove myself, often in spaces where women were few and far between. But I was driven by a deep love for the ocean and a commitment to continue my family’s work.
When I became an Emerging Explorer at National Geographic, I remember a pivotal event where we discussed the changing nature of exploration. Explorers like my grandfather and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first to venture into uncharted territories, to physically go where no one had gone before. But now, we live in a world where satellites can map every square meter of the Earth’s surface. The nature of exploration has evolved. Today, exploration is about pioneering new ideas, finding innovative solutions, and uncovering unseen connections. It embraces everyone, in every kind of pursuit, and invites us all to contribute to the shared journey of discovery.
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.
Today, the rising generation of women explorers is rewriting history. 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.
We are shifting the narrative from one of conquest to one of connection and restoration—restoring ecosystems, repairing humanity’s relationship with nature, and ensuring the oceans are thriving for future generations. The future of exploration is bright—and women will be at the helm.
