“Donner des Elles à l’UM”: A Month of March Dedicated to Gender Equality at the University of Montpellier

[Press Release] - Published on March 4, 2025 in Environmental Issues and Social Responsibility, Press Room

International Women’s Day isn’t just a one-day event—it lasts an entire month at the University of Montpellier. From March 1 to 31, 2025, for its 9th edition, the “Donner des Elles à l’UM” event invites everyone to work together to advance gender equality through a rich and varied program. A special occasion where reflections, questions, and actions converge, with the aim of ensuring these commitments endure well beyond the month of March.

March Calendar: “Donner des Elles à l’UM”

As is the case every year, March marks the return of gender equality initiatives at UM, and this time, we’ll be exploring the role of men in feminism. The event will feature humor, emotion, and reflection, all in a spirit of openness that balances lightheartedness with seriousness and depth.

The University of Montpellier has been awarded the AFNOR “Gender Equality and Diversity” Alliance certification, recognizing its solid and long-standing efforts in these two areas, which are at the heart of our commitments. This year, the discussion is expanding to include the role of men in gender equality. How can we raise boys so that they grow up free of sexist biases? Can men be true allies of feminism, or do they risk becoming false friends? 

The program features a diverse range of accessible activities to suit every taste: a public speaking workshop (for female UM staff only), a self-defense workshop (for female UM students only), screenings of short films and Anaïs Volpé’s film*Entre les vagues*, information booths on menstrual pain and communication free of gender stereotypes, exhibitions, plays, a roundtable discussion, and even a game night. The “Elles” events will take place at most University of Montpellier campuses, as well as via videoconference.

The full program can be found here.

The University of Montpellier is committed to gender equality

Equality, a major issue in our society, is also being promoted at the University, a place where future generations are educated. The University of Montpellier has therefore been committed to gender equality for many years. In this context, the University of Montpellier’s 2023–2025 Gender Equality Plan, unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 13, 2023, is entering its final phase of implementation. Thirty new initiatives thus complement the forty already implemented under the previous plan. Through specific actions carried out throughout the month of March, the University of Montpellier aims to foster reflection and raise awareness about gender equality. Whether on a personal or professional level, these opportunities for discussion and awareness-raising are designed to open dialogue and break down stereotypes.

The Gender Equality Plan: here.

Keywords: Art and Culture, Campus, Students, Staff