People gathered for a demonstration to protest against femicide, sexual violence, and all forms of gender-based violence, and to show support for Gisele Pelicot, a victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in front of the courthouse in Avignon, France. – AFP
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in major French cities on Saturday to protest violence against women, as activists push for the country to address the issues highlighted by a recent mass rape trial that has shocked the public. The trial in Avignon is nearing its conclusion, with 51 men facing charges, including one who allegedly drugged his wife over a decade and invited others to abuse her at their home. On the streets, demonstrator Peggy Plou, an elected official from the Indre-et-Loire region, emphasized that the fight against gender-based violence is everyone's concern, not just women's.
Thousands marched in Paris, with police estimating the turnout at 12,500, while organizers claimed 80,000 participants. Across the country, police reported 35,000 attendees, but organizers put the number at 100,000. Demonstrations also took place in cities like Marseille, Lille, and Rennes, with Bordeaux seeing 1,600 participants. Many protesters carried signs with the slogan 'Shame must switch sides,' popularized by Gisele Pelicot, who has become a feminist icon for opting for public hearings despite the painful nature of her case.
Marie-Claire Abiker, a 78-year-old retired nurse, called for a law on consent, stating that silence should not be interpreted as agreement to sexual contact. France's legal definition of rape currently lacks explicit mention of consent, a key demand of women's rights groups since the MeToo movement began in the late 2010s. Amy Bah, a member of the NousToutes feminist group, noted the increased participation of men in the demonstrations, which she sees as a positive development.
Arnaud Garcette, a participant in the Marseille demonstration, emphasized that men also have a role to play in addressing the issue. The protests, organized by over 400 campaign groups, took place just before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Equality Minister Salima Saa has promised concrete measures to coincide with the global day. According to a report, Prime Minister Michel Barnier is set to announce measures including enhanced police training and more support for victims of domestic violence. The campaigners are calling for more comprehensive measures, including a dedicated budget of 2.6 billion euros and a stronger legal framework to tackle the problem.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
