“Donner des Elles à l’UM” (Empowering Women at UM): 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 Rights Day lasts not just one day, but a whole month at the University of Montpellier. From March 1 to 31, 2025, for its ninth 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 moment at the confluence of reflection, questioning, and action, with the desire to make these commitments lasting, well beyond the month of March.

March calendar of events: “Giving Women a Voice at UM”

As every year, March marks the return of gender equality initiatives at UM, and this time, the place of men in feminism will be questioned. There will be humor, emotion, and reflection, in a spirit of openness alternating between relaxation, seriousness, and gravity.

The University of Montpellier has been awarded the Afnor Alliance label for "gender equality and diversity," recognizing its solid and long-standing work in these two areas, which are central to our commitments. This year, the discussion is broadening to include the role of men in gender equality. How can we raise boys to grow up without sexist prejudices? Can men be true allies of feminism, or are they at risk of being false friends? 

The program includes a range of accessible and diverse activities to suit all tastes: public speaking workshops (reserved for UM female staff), self-defense workshops (reserved for UM female students), screenings of short films and Anaïs Volpé's filmEntre les vagues, stands raising awareness of menstrual pain, awareness of communication without gender stereotypes, exhibitions, plays, round tables, and even a games evening. Les Elles will be held at most of the University of Montpellier's sites, as well as via videoconference.

The complete program can be found here.

The University of Montpellier committed to gender equality

Equality, a major issue in our society, is also being implemented 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 Directors on March 13, 2023, is now entering its final phase of implementation. Thirty actions complement the forty already implemented in the previous plan. Through specific actions carried out throughout the month of March, the University of Montpellier aims to encourage reflection and raise awareness about gender equality. Whether on a personal or professional level, these opportunities for exchange and awareness-raising aim to open dialogue and break down stereotypes.

The gender equality plan: here.

Keywords: Art and culture, Campus, Students, Staff