“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 3, 2026 in University

International Women's Day lasts not just one day, but a whole month at the University of Montpellier. From March¹ to 31, 2026, the event "Donner des Elles à l'UM" (Empowering Women at UM) invites everyone to work together to advance gender equality through a rich and varied program. It is a special opportunity to come together to reflect, question, and take action with the aim of making these commitments a lasting one, well beyond the month of March.

March calendar: “Empowering Women at UM”

As every year, March marks a key moment at the University of Montpellier for raising awareness and taking action in favor of gender equality. The 2026 edition is focused on inclusive gender equality, conceived at the intersection of identities, experiences, and artistic expressions.

Designed to appeal to everyone, the program, which includes a dozen events, offers a variety of formats: screening of Céline Sallette's film Niki, feminist self-defense workshops, feminist text voice-over workshops, exhibitions, and performances. And at the heart of this edition: conferences devoted to intersectionality, the links between racism and sexism, and the intersecting issues of autism and gender.

The "Elles" will be held at various locations across the University of Montpellier, as well as via videoconference, in order to make them accessible to the entire university community.

The complete program can be found here: here

The University of Montpellier committed to gender equality

The 2026 edition will also see the launch of the University of Montpellier Equality Award. This award aims to promote and reward academic work in all disciplines that contributes to a better understanding of gender, sex, and gender equality issues.

As a place of education, research, and civic engagement, the University of Montpellier places equality at the heart of its mission. Long committed to these issues, it holds the Afnor Alliance label for "Gender Equality and Diversity," which recognizes structured and sustainable work in support of these issues.

Through the actions carried out throughout March, the University of Montpellier aims to stimulate reflection and encourage awareness. These opportunities for discussion and awareness-raising contribute to breaking down stereotypes and building a fairer and more inclusive university environment.