Thousands marched in France and Italy on Saturday, demanding an end to violence against women ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25. The protests addressed multiple forms of violence, including sexual, physical, psychological, and economic abuse.
In Rome, activists demonstrated partially naked, wearing balaclavas in a gesture inspired by Iranian student Ahoo Daryaei, who protested Iran’s regime by stripping in front of her university. In France, rallies were held in cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lille, with more than 400 organizations calling for action following the controversial Pelicot mass rape trial.
According to the United Nations, violence against women remains one of the world’s most pervasive human rights violations. “Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their life.”
The UN further reported that in 2023, at least 51,100 women were murdered by partners or family members—a stark reminder that every ten minutes, a woman’s life ends due to gender-based violence.
