International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women: Tens of Thousands Take to the Streets This Saturday

Just days before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November), demonstrations were held this Saturday, 22 November 2025, in many cities across France at the call of feminist collectives Nous Toutes and Grève Féministe. Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Le Mans, Tours, Marseille, Metz… everywhere, the message was the same: stop femicides and patriarchal, social and State violence.

145 femicides since the beginning of 2025

Nous Toutes reminds that at least 145 femicides have been recorded since January 1st, 2025, including the latest case on Thursday in Sedan (Ardennes). According to the latest official figures released Thursday by the Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women (MIPROF), the number of intimate partner femicides rose by 11% between 2023 and 2024, with 107 women killed by a partner or ex-partner in 2024.

Last September, GREVIO — the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women — already denounced France’s particularly low prosecution rate, calling it “particularly alarming” and urging urgent measures.

Purple marches across the country

In Paris, the march left Place de la République at 2 pm heading toward Nation and gathered 50,000 people according to organizers (official police numbers not yet released). Braving freezing temperatures, demonstrators carrying purple flags and signs condemned sexist violence, the dismantling of public services disproportionately affecting women and marginalized people, and the rise of far-right movements.

In other cities, turnout was also significant:

Bordeaux: around 1,300 people (prefecture)
Lille: around 300 people
Mobilisations were also reported in Marseille, Metz, Le Mans, Tours and many other cities.

The demands of the collectives

Associations and feminist groups are calling for:

A comprehensive legal framework against violence toward women
A dedicated budget of €3 billion for its implementation
The effective application of education programmes on emotional, relational and sexual life (EVARS) in schools
An end to the cuts in funding for associations supporting victims
Better treatment of complaints: “Most of the time, victims are still not believed, and reports are closed without follow-up.”

Paris City Hall engaged

As every year, the City of Paris is launching a major awareness campaign around 25 November, in partnership with district town halls, municipal services and local associations. Numerous events, workshops and awareness actions aim to improve identification of violence and support for victims.

Emergency and helpline numbers

39 19 – Violences Femmes Info: listening, information, support – free, anonymous, 24/7 (Fédération nationale Solidarité Femmes)
0800 05 95 95 – Viols Femmes Informations: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm – free and anonymous (Collectif féministe contre le viol)
01 40 47 06 06 – Helpline for women with disabilities facing violence (Femmes pour le dire, femmes pour agir)

Since 1999, 25 November has been the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In 2025, this weekend’s mobilisations show that the fight remains more necessary than ever.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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Gabriel MIHAI

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