“UM: A Month of ‘Elles’”: 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 event “Donner des Elles à l’UM ” invites everyone to work together to advance gender equality through a rich and varied program. It is a special occasion where reflections, questions, and actions converge, with the goal of ensuring these commitments endure well beyond the month of March.

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

As it does every year, March marks the return of events focused on gender equality at theUM, and this time, the role of men in feminism will be explored. There will be humor, emotion, and reflection, all in a spirit of openness that balances lightheartedness with seriousness and solemnity.

The University of Montpellier has been awarded the AFNOR “Gender Equality and Diversity” Alliance certification, recognizing its solid, long-term work 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 a boy so that he grows up free of sexist biases? Can men be true allies of feminism, or are they at risk of becoming false friends? 

The program features a range of accessible and diverse activities to suit every taste: a public speaking workshop (for female staff members only at theUM), a self-defense workshop (for female students only at theUM), 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 complete 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. As part of this effort, the University of Montpellier’s 2023–2025 Gender Equality Plan, unanimously adopted by the Board of Trustees on March 13, 2023, is now entering its final phase of implementation. Thirty new initiatives thus complement the forty already implemented under the previous plan. Through specific initiatives 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 challenge stereotypes.

The Gender Equality Plan: here.

Keywords: Art and Culture, Campus, Students, Staff