Dozens gathered in central Paris to condemn rising gender-based violence and honour recent victims.
Activist Marie-Josée, 78, said protesters constantly face overwhelming realities as they remembered five women killed last week.
The demonstration preceded the government receiving a major report urging radical reform in domestic abuse case handling.
Officials submitted the report to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommending a magistrate dedicated solely to intrafamilial violence cases.
Le Parisien revealed the document before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The report stressed that domestic violence requires a comprehensive, coordinated approach.
Protesters argued that political commitments over decades failed to improve women’s safety.
Marie-Josée said equality has regressed since the 1990s and expressed frustration over society’s indifference toward women, particularly older victims.
In 2024, 107 women died at the hands of partners or ex-partners, an 11% rise from 2023.
Data Exposes Growing Crisis
Government data from MIPROF shows more than three women face femicide or attempted femicide each day, and the numbers rise yearly.
Activist organisations warn these figures do not reveal the full scale of the crisis.
The annual observatory reported that every seven hours a woman suffers murder, attempted murder, or coercion toward suicide by a partner or ex-partner.
Women aged 70 and above made up 26% of victims, marking a nine percent rise in one year.
The case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged and raped over a decade, shocked France and the world.
Her story highlighted how older women also suffer sexual violence, a reality long ignored due to ageist and sexist assumptions.
Union member Violette said older victims’ voices are dismissed because society prioritises younger women.
She criticised media attention, warning reforms should not wait for shocking coverage.
Funding Gaps and Political Challenges
Violette stated that France’s domestic violence strategy remains fragmented and chronically underfunded.
Activists call for €3 billion annually to implement nationwide reforms, but the 2025 budget allocates only €94 million.
The Council of Europe condemned France’s low prosecution rates and urged stricter enforcement measures.
As Parliament debates new proposals, protesters fear the government still underestimates the severity of the crisis.
