Tens of Thousands Demonstrate in France Against Violence Targeting Women
Massive Protests Across the Country
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in major French cities on Saturday, calling for an end to violence targeting women. The protests were sparked by the ongoing mass rape trial in the southern city of Avignon, which has sent shockwaves across the country.
The Avignon Trial
The prosecution in Avignon is in its final stages, with 51 men facing charges. One of the accused has been accused of drugging his wife over the course of a decade and coercing dozens of others into abusing her at their home.
Out on the Street
Out on the street, protesters chanted slogans and carried signs, including variations on the phrase "Shame must switch sides," popularized by the plaintiff in the Avignon trial, Gisele Pelicot. Peggy Plou, an elected official from the Indre-et-Loire region, said, "The more of us there are, the more visible we are, this is everyone’s business, not just women."
Thousands of Protesters in Paris Alone
Thousands of people marched in the capital alone, mostly women but including some children and men. Police put the turnout at 12,500, while organizers said 80,000. Hundreds also turned out in other major cities, including Marseille, Lille, and Rennes.
Law Reform Demanded
Protesters are calling for law reform, including the introduction of a law about consent. Marie-Claire Abiker, a retired nurse, said, "Just because someone doesn’t say something, doesn’t mean that they agree" to sexual contact. France’s legal definition of rape includes no language about consent.
Men Join the Movement
The protests have attracted a significant number of male supporters, with some demonstrators saying they feel a personal responsibility to take action against violence targeting women. Amy Bah, a member of the NousToutes (All of us women) feminist group, said, "In 2018, there were basically only women (demonstrating). Today there are, let’s say, 30 percent men. That’s really great news."
Government Promises Action
Equality Minister Salima Saa has promised "concrete and effective" measures to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Monday. According to a report, Prime Minister Michel Barnier will announce measures including increased training for police officers and more support for victims of domestic violence who leave their home.
Campaigners Call for More
The campaigners who organized Saturday’s protests are calling for more far-reaching measures, including a dedicated 2.6 billion-euro budget and a stronger legal framework to tackle the problem. During his first term as French president, Emmanuel Macron vowed to prioritize the cause of equality between men and women and to work to eliminate violence against women.
Conclusion
The massive protests in France demonstrate the strength of the movement against violence targeting women. The push for law reform and government action is gaining momentum, and it is clear that the issue is no longer just a women’s rights issue, but a problem that affects everyone.
FAQs
Q: What is the Avignon trial?
A: The Avignon trial is a mass rape trial in which 51 men are facing charges, including one man who is accused of drugging his wife over the course of a decade.
Q: What are protesters calling for?
A: Protesters are calling for law reform, including the introduction of a law about consent, and government action to tackle the problem of violence targeting women.
Q: How many people attended the protests?
A: According to police sources, 35,000 people attended the protests across the country, while organizers put the figure at 100,000.
Q: What is the government’s response?
A: The government has promised "concrete and effective" measures to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Monday.