French Activists Commemorate Feminicide Victims and Debunk Myths on Violence Against Women

On November 25, 2025, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, feminist activists in Paris gathered to honor the victims of feminicides and confront pervasive myths about gender-based violence. Around one hundred activists from the collective #NousToutes assembled at the Panthéon during the evening, holding torches and unveiling a 20-meter red fabric inscribed with the names and ages of 1,170 women killed since 2017 in France. This poignant "femmage" sought to raise public awareness about the ongoing threat violence poses to women across all social strata.

In tandem with this commemoration, France 24’s Info/Intox program addressed common misconceptions surrounding violence against women. The analysis tackled controversial questions such as the alleged equivalence between male and female victims of domestic violence, the appropriateness of using the term “feminicide,” and the legitimacy of rape complaint statistics, which are often challenged by misogynist propaganda. It also reviewed claims casting doubt on the severity of women's experiences compared to men's difficulties in modern society.

Through these simultaneous actions—both the emotional public remembrance and the critical myth-busting discourse—French activists emphasized the urgent necessity to protect women and confront societal denial. The #NousToutes collective explicitly criticized the French state, stating that it has proven unable to safeguard women. The reading aloud of victim names for nearly twenty minutes at the Panthéon served as a stark reminder of the persistent and tragic impact of gender-based violence.

Together, the event and the media discussion highlighted the pervasive nature of the problem while striving to clarify distorted narratives that undermine efforts against violence targeting women.

This day’s activities reaffirm the critical need for vigilance, activism, and truthful public conversation to combat feminicide and promote the elimination of violence against women in France.