Monique Giraud-Lazzari
This woman is unique in the Paillon valley. Why? Well, because she is the only female mayor in the canton of Contes. They represent 13.9% in France. Since 2008, Monique Giraud-Lazzari, a mathematics and art teacher, has been mayor of Coaraze. It is out of a desire to act for her village that this passionate woman entered politics. “Women have a different way of approaching power. They have less ego. I think we are much more diplomatic. In this masculine world, it’s not easy every day, but with tact and patience, we manage to make ourselves heard,” she tells us.
Marinette Pariat
This head of the green spaces service in the town of Contes works among three men and the irony is that she is their boss! “We are a good team. We all need each other. The result is due to each individual’s capability,” she comments. Therefore, no question of “boss”! Marinette “fell into gardening” by following her husband. Together for four years, they worked at the Château du Vignal: “It was magical!” This painting enthusiast now composes her colors with flowers, plants, and trees: natural paintings that beautify the town of Contes.
Catherine Jourdin
As a child, she was a music lover and was already bowing the strings of her violin. Her passion for music led her to become a violin teacher. “I am generally passionate about culture, which I love to share with others,” she specifies. This musical librarian at the Nice conservatory, who lives surrounded by musicians, has also been, since 2007, president of the Espace Art et Culture association in Contes, succeeding Françoise Barraquier and Jacqueline Alquier. “Gender parity is respected in the cultural field. There is no discrimination,” she explains.
Nicole Formento
In the Gheït district, an agricultural land stretches at the foot of the Contes stronghold. There, zucchinis, short, long, round, beans, tomatoes, salads, onions, and potatoes are planted by female hands. The farm manager is called Nicole Formento. This daughter of Menton farmers, who married a Contes farmer, took over in 2000. “Woman is the future of man,” right? “It’s mainly a freedom to be able to work with nature and in the open air,” she comments.
Djema Tounsi
Originally, nothing destined this secretary from Drap, who was juggling between volunteering and her family life, to enter the world of animation. Yet! After finding herself unemployed, she joined OMJCL as a cleaning lady, but very quickly, her talent for animation and communication was recognized. She became an animator at OMJCL. But Djema is not just an animator. “She is the Mama of La Condamine who instills good values of life in our children. She is a pillar of Drap,” comments a local resident.
Karine Brege
At the age of seven in the Charente region, she put on her first dance shoes: it was love at first sight! From then on, dance would rhythm her life. And when asked what she would like to do when she grows up, she answers “dancer.” With passion and tenacity, she won competitions and danced in companies in Paris. Then the dancer decided to pass on her passion and became a dance teacher. This profession led her in 1999 to Contes, where she teaches classical dance and jazz at Sagittaire. Dance is? “A way to express oneself without words,” she replies.
