UMDonner des Elles àUM”: A Month of March Dedicated to Gender Equality at the University of Montpellier 

[Press Release] - Published on March 3, 2026 in University

International Women’s Day isn’t just a one-day event—it lasts an entire month at the University of Montpellier. From March¹ to 31, 2026, the “Donner des Elles àUM event invites everyone to work together to advance gender equality through a rich and varied program. It is a special occasion where ideas, questions, and actions converge, with the aim of ensuring these commitments endure well beyond the month of March.

The March Calendar: “Donner des Elles àUM

As it does every year, March marks a key period at the University of Montpellier for raising awareness and taking action in support of gender equality. The 2026 edition is dedicated to inclusive gender equality, conceived at the intersection of identities, experiences, and artistic expressions.

Designed to appeal to everyone, the program—featuring about ten events—offers a variety of formats: a screening of Céline Sallette’s film *Niki*, feminist self-defense workshops, a workshop on reading feminist texts aloud, exhibitions, and a performance. And at the heart of this year’s festival: talks focusing on intersectionality, the links between racism and sexism, and the intersecting issues of autism and gender.

The “Elles” events will take place at various locations across the University of Montpellier, as well as via videoconference, to ensure accessibility for the entire university community.

The full program can be found: here

The University of Montpellier is committed to gender equality

The 2026 edition will also feature the launch of the University of Montpellier’s Equality Award. This award aims to recognize and honor academic work across all disciplines that contributes to a better understanding of issues related to gender, sex, and gender equality.

As a center for education, research, and civic engagement, the University of Montpellier places equality at the heart of its mission. With a longstanding commitment to these issues, it has been awarded the AFNOR “Gender Equality and Diversity” Alliance certification, which recognizes its structured and sustained efforts to advance these causes.

Through the initiatives carried out throughout the month of March, the University of Montpellier aims to stimulate reflection and raise awareness. These opportunities for discussion and awareness-raising help break down stereotypes and build a more equitable and inclusive university environment.