“Shame must change sides”: thousands of people in the streets against sexist violence

A purple wave. The flags of the color symbol of feminists flutter in an icy wind, which has not cooled the ardor of the demonstrators who are beating the streets this Saturday in Paris. Dozens of marches are taking place all over France, at the call of 400 associations demanding a comprehensive law to combat sexual violence. “Patriarchal violence occurs everywhere, in homes, in places of work, of study, in the street…” underlines Amandine Cormier, of the Grève feminist association, signatory of the appeal.

In the crowd, women and men of all ages. Something to delight many demonstrators. “The objective is for all of society to mobilize regardless of age, gender or social status, including the men who are at the heart of the problem,” says Beatriz, 55, in the middle of the procession. They must stand behind us to save their daughters, their wives, their sisters or their friends. »

“From middle school, they are subjected to sexist remarks and inappropriate gestures”

A few meters from her, a sign insists: “The rapist is your friend, your colleague, your father”. Others recall the fight for abortion or call for the establishment of a real culture of consent, while sexual violence has exploded in recent years (+ 282% between 2017 and 2023).

“There is a lot to do for things to change and for the shame to change sides,” explains Isabelle, who came with her two teenage daughters. From middle school, they are subject to sexist remarks and inappropriate gestures, whether in the school environment, on transport but also in their friendly circles. Education must be at the heart of the fight. If we raise our sons well, they will behave well. But it's a small revolution. »

Gisèle Pelicot, symbol for all women

In the middle of the Mazan rape trial, where 50 men are accused of having raped Gisèle Pelicot while she was unconscious because she was drugged by her husband, her figure is present in numerous slogans. “She is the embodiment of the courage necessary to denounce this violence, cowardly, admiring, Annabelle, 43 years old. The trial of her husband and 50 of his attackers may mark a turning point, because she spoke loudly and agreed that the hearing be public. Today she is a symbol. »

“I blame the man, I fuck the artist,” announces another panel, in reference to Gérard Depardieu. Others refer to the actions of Abbé Pierre, recently revealed by the Foundation which bears his name. “They are well-known figures, but this violence affects a huge proportion of women,” enrages Léa, a 32-year-old Parisian. We would like this march to no longer take place, but we know that it will take a very long time to change society and the patriarchal system from which this rape culture arises. »