Thousands of protesters gathered across French cities on Saturday to condemn femicides and sexual violence against women in light of the Pelicot trial and US president-elect Donald Trump’s victory.  The protests also took place in anticipation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, with Feminist organization Nous Toutes organizing over 50 demonstrations.

In their call to action, Nous Toutes highlighted the alarming statistics of gender-based violence in France, outlining that since Macron’s government, there have been over a thousand femicides. “Trans women, migrants, sex workers or homeless people” are often targets of these crimes. Nous Toutes also drew attention to sexual violence against children, stating that more than five million adults in France report having been victims of pedo criminality.

Nous Toutes demanded public policies to issue greater protections to women and vulnerable groups, including education initiatives and shelters, and a “sustainable annual budget of at least 2.6 billion Euros, or 0.5 percent of the State budget” toward these policies.

The recent Pelicot trial has brought global attention to sexual violence against women. The case relates to the non-consensual drugging of a woman by her husband, who invited over 50 men to assault her over 12 years.

Human Rights Watch also expressed concern over the rights of women and girls amid Trump’s re-election.

The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) recognizes the rights of women to fair and equal treatment and human rights. These rights are enshrined in international instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, and the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Gender Equality is a key UN Sustainable Development Goal. 

On 25 November 2024, the UN is commencing its 16 days of activism calling for the end of violence against women, which will conclude on International Human Rights day.