Gender constraints and societal expectations significantly influenced women's participation in the book trade during the sixteenth century in France. Women's literacy rates were lower than men's, limiting their ability to author and publish texts. The concept of the "good woman" dictated that women should remain silent and obedient, which restricted their public speech and writing. Women's roles were primarily domestic, and their time was often occupied with household duties, limiting their availability for writing. Additionally, the book trade was dominated by men, and women faced gendered restrictions in various roles, such as printers and publishers. Despite these challenges, some women, particularly widows and nuns, found ways to participate in the book trade, often through patronage or by writing texts that addressed female concerns. The interplay of gender, class, and religion further shaped women's experiences and opportunities within the book trade.