Women’s Rights Day in Paris: March, discussions and cultural events mark the occasion

Demonstrations, gatherings and various events were held across France on Sunday (8 March) to mark International Women’s Rights Day. In Paris, the day was observed with a large rally, while the Bangladeshi community organised discussions and cultural programmes.

Bangladeshi community organisation “Solidarité Aji France (SAF)” hosted a special event titled Narīkatha at the Bouge du Thabaye hall near the historic Place de la République in Paris.

The daylong programme featured discussions on women’s development, education, cultural engagement and the perspectives of the younger generation.

Marcela Henderson-Pil attended the event as the chief guest and spoke about women’s empowerment, education and the importance of women’s participation in society. Paris youth councillor Nayon NK also addressed the gathering. Cultural figures and poets Hasnat Jahan and Nilufar Jahan were present as honoured guests, sharing perspectives on women in cultural and literary contexts.

Photo: Daily Sun

The programme was jointly moderated by Towhid Ahmed, Tasnia Anjum and Ruman Ahmed. Shahin Ahmed, general secretary of the organisation, delivered the welcome speech. Dr Jahrin Nupur, Farzana Alam, Shahnaz Akter and Bidyut Morshed also delivered brief remarks.

As part of the cultural segment, noted recitation artist Munir Kader performed poetry. The programme opened with the national anthems of France and Bangladesh performed by Jayita Barua, Nabakumar Barua and Nabonita Barua.

Read More

International Women’s Day celebrated in Dhaka

The first session of the event featured a seminar titled “Parental Support and Child Protection: Reflective Practices.” Later, Nilufar Jahan and Hasnat Jahan were honoured with the “SAF Women’s Award” in recognition of their contributions in different fields. Documentary films on their lives and work were also screened.

Meanwhile, a large rally was held in Paris to mark Women’s Rights Day. The march began at around 2:00pm from the Stalingrad area and proceeded towards Place de la République. Passing through Gare du Nord, Faubourg Saint-Martin, Rue Lafayette and Boulevard Magenta, the procession reached its destination.

Nearly one hundred organisations held demonstrations across France demanding women’s bodily autonomy, an end to violence against women and greater economic independence. According to organisers, the rise of far-right politics in Europe poses a growing threat to women’s rights.

Traffic restrictions were imposed in several parts of the capital in connection with the rally. In a statement, the Paris Police Prefecture said parking was prohibited along the entire route of the march from 10:00pm Saturday to 9:00pm Sunday. Traffic was also suspended from 9:30am to 9:00pm in areas including Stalingrad, Lafayette, Magenta and Bassin de la Villette. The République metro station was temporarily closed from 3:00pm.

Photo: Daily Sun

Meanwhile, the far-right group Nemesis organised a separate gathering in the western part of the capital after not being invited to join the main rally. The group held a demonstration at Place Jean Lorrain in Paris’s 16th arrondissement.

Some organisers of the main march had called for Nemesis to be excluded from the event, accusing the group of using feminism for “racist purposes.”

Officials at the police prefecture said the decision to allow separate gatherings was taken following discussions with organisers in order to ensure both freedom of assembly and public safety.