The short version
- The Eiffel Tower closed on Monday due to a staff strike triggered by allegations that female employees were displaced during a visit by a Hindu religious group.
- Management acknowledged the segregation request violated equality principles and apologized, while the religious organization cited logistical coordination for the arrangement.
- French political leaders across the spectrum condemned the incident, with Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announcing an investigation into the circumstances.
The Eiffel Tower remained closed to visitors on Monday following a walkout by staff members who protested the treatment of female employees during a recent visit by a Hindu religious delegation. The closure, described by operators as resulting from operational reasons, stemmed from tensions that escalated over the weekend after workers learned that women had been asked to leave their posts to make way for men.
The incident involved a delegation of approximately one hundred individuals affiliated with the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, commonly known as BAPS. The group visited the Paris landmark on Saturday, shortly before consecrating its first major temple in France at a location in the suburbs. According to union representatives, the request for gender segregation occurred as the delegation arrived at the monument.
Diane Davoine, a staff union representative, stated that women were instructed to vacate their workstations so that male employees could take their places during the visit. She described the reaction among the workforce as one of humiliation and anger, noting that the treatment was unacceptable. The decision to strike was made after employees met on Monday morning to demand dialogue with management and to ensure such practices would not recur.
Société d'Exploitation de la tour Eiffel, the company responsible for operating the monument, confirmed that the delegation had requested conditions that limited interactions with women. The firm stated that these requests should not have been accepted, emphasizing that they conflicted with the organization's values and the principle of equality between men and women. Ariel Weil, the president of SETE, reiterated the tower's commitment to republican values and gender equality.
In a statement posted on social media, the BAPS temple in Paris explained that the visit was arranged at the start of normal opening hours to avoid disrupting other visitors. The organization apologized for any pain or inconvenience caused and affirmed its belief in mutual respect and service. BAPS describes itself as a spiritual fellowship dedicated to improving society through Hindu values, with temples located in major cities worldwide.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from French political figures across the ideological spectrum. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire announced that an investigation would be launched into the circumstances surrounding the visit. He validated the anger expressed by the employees, stating that gender equality must be applied everywhere in the city and should never stop at the foot of historical monuments.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the hard-right National Rally party, declared that France would never accept limitations on the presence of women. Gabriel Attal, a former prime minister and potential presidential candidate, emphasized that no culture or belief should dictate the place of women in France. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly, added that she refused to allow women to be compelled to step aside to meet the demands of foreign visitors.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions regarding workplace equality and the intersection of religious practices with secular public institutions in France. While management has apologized to workers, the union remains focused on securing guarantees that female employees will not face similar treatment in the future. The investigation ordered by the mayor aims to clarify how the segregation request was processed and implemented by tower staff.
As the monument remains closed, the situation underscores the sensitivity of gender equality issues within French public spaces. The resolution of the dispute will likely depend on the outcome of the internal dialogue between unions and management, as well as the findings of the municipal investigation. Visitors are expected to face continued disruptions until a formal agreement is reached regarding workplace protocols.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC World↗Eiffel Tower shut by staff protest after women moved for religious visit
