In this International day for the elimination of violence against womenNantes is hosting the first edition of an important event on the subject: the National meetings for the fight against gender-based violence. Highly anticipated, these meetings organized at the Cité des Congrès in Nantes began this Friday morning and will end on Saturday evening. But what is it exactly?
What is the goal ?
The event was launched by the town hall of Nantes, already heavily invested in the theme, reflecting its ambition to become the “first non-sexist city in France by 2030. The aim is to “raise awareness”, “remind us of the urgency to act” and “give new impetus” to free speech. To achieve this, all the actors in the fight against gender-based violence are brought together on a single site, probably for the first time in France: experts, justice and police professionals, communities, associations… The objective will be also to “cross-reference good practices”, to disseminate essential information and to bring out avenues for improvement. These meetings take place in a context of deteriorating conditions for women’s rights internationally, but also of a late societal evolution in France, despite the MeToo movement 5 years ago.
What is the program ?
The seats take place over two days. The first day this Friday is reserved for the professional network. After a morning of speeches punctuated by the signing of a manifesto concerning the commitment of local authorities, workshops, conferences and round tables are planned for this afternoon. Saturday, which is the most anticipated, is open to the general public. Several themes (education, employment, sport, health, housing, justice, etc.) will be addressed during open conferences, including for adolescents and families. Exhibitions, listening terminals, a bookstore and a toy library are also available. Accessible on registration, this Saturday day is however a victim of its success since it is sold out. The event is, however, available to stream for free, either Friday or Saturday.
Who are the guests?
Writers, magistrates, health professionals, journalists, artists, elected officials… Nearly 90 committed personalities or experts in gender-based violence will speak for two days. Are announced this Friday the former minister Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Cathy Millard, director of SOS incest, Violaine Lucas, president of Choosing the cause of women, or Richard Matis, president of Gynecology without borders. On Saturday, the general public will be able to attend the speeches of Caroline de Haas, founder of the collective #NousToutes, Sarah Abitbol, figure skater, Sikou Niakaté, director, Frédérique Letourneux, sociologist, Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of the Women’s Foundation, or the author Elise Thiebaut.