Thousands of protesters across France took to the streets on Saturday to demand stronger action against violence targeting women. Despite the cold, demonstrators expressed outrage over the persistence of abuse and called for more public funding and legal protections.
In Paris, crowds waved signs, chanted, and marched through the city in protests organised by the Feminist Strike collective, representing around 60 organisations. Organisers estimated 50,000 participants, while police reported about 17,000.
One placard from the feminist group NousToutes read: “A man kills a woman every 2.5 days in France.” Another highlighted that “nine out of 10 victims know their rapist.” Sylvaine Grevin, president of the national femicide victims’ federation, whose sister was killed in 2017, said ahead of the Paris march, “It’s 2025. Is it still normal to count our dead women?”
Protests were not limited to Paris. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in other cities, often wearing purple, a color long associated with feminism. In Lille, 20-year-old student Juliette told reporters, “We have the right to be loved without being abused.”
The organizers are calling for a comprehensive framework law against violence toward women, along with a three-billion-euro ($3.5 billion) budget to implement it. They also demand better education and funding for organizations that support victims.
Official figures released Thursday by MIPROF, the government agency dedicated to protecting women from violence and human trafficking, show that intimate partner femicides rose by 11 percent between 2023 and 2024, with 107 women killed by a partner or ex-partner.
The data also reveal that a woman is a victim of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault every two minutes in France, and that sexual harassment, indecent exposure, or unsolicited sexual content occurs every 23 seconds.
Rights groups say the government’s spending is far below what is needed. The Women’s Foundation estimates that protecting victims of domestic, gender-based, and sexual violence would require at least 2.6 billion euros annually, about 0.5 percent of the state budget.
Protesters emphasized the urgency of action as femicide rates climb and victims continue to face systemic challenges. Organizers said stronger laws, education programs, and dedicated funding are essential to prevent further deaths and support survivors.