France - The Persistent

Black and white photo of an old hospital nursery, with newborns in little bassinets arranged in rows.

Reproductive Rights

'It Is Time to Reflect On Whether Or Not to Have a Child'—Oh, Boy.

In its efforts to combat infertility, France is missing the point. That's because a decision to have a child isn't just a medical issue, it's a social one, too.

Violence Against Women and Girls

'Why Not Us?'—In France, Men Are Finally Speaking Out Against Violence

Gisèle Pelicot’s son David is encouraging more men to speak out against sexual violence. It's working.

An illustration of a being served at a cafe table outside. In the street, a cyclist and a woman are pointing at each other angrily.

World

In Paris, I’m an American First, a Black Woman Second

At first, Paris appeared to be a city where race didn’t matter. But things weren’t all they seemed.

Violence Against Women and Girls

France (Finally) Changes the Legal Definition of Rape to Include Consent

The definition defines consent as free and informed, specific, prior, and revocable. 'It cannot be inferred solely from the victim’s silence or lack of response.'

Giselle Pelicot, a small woman in a pink jacket and pastel striped pants, walks through Nimes. She is surrounded by men, all wearing jeans and black jackets.

Gisèle Pelicot

'When Gisèle Pelicot Speaks, People Listen'

Nearly a year on from the historic landmark verdict in the Pelicot drugging and rape trial, some things really have changed.

Theatre

‘I Couldn’t Stay Away’

A reenactment of the Dominique Pelicot trial takes on a life of its own, becoming as real as the trial itself.

A photograph of demonstrators holding up signs at a rally. One cardboard sign reads: Victimes on vous croit — Victims, we believe you

France

It's 2025. Has France’s #MeToo Moment Finally Arrived?

France has a long tradition of protecting powerful men accused of sex crimes. Feminists are mixed on whether that’s about to change.

Watercolor showing Gisele Pelicot, with short auburn hair, wearing a patterned scarf, blue striped shirt and black blazer.

France

As the Trial of ‘Mr. Every Man’ Draws to a Close, France Debates ‘Intent’ vs. ‘Consent’

The Pelicot trial pits the notion of intent against the concept of consent. The outcome could alter how these kinds of cases are handled in the future.

Thick crowds gathered at the Place de la République in Paris in a protest against the far right.

Global Politics

How Marine Le Pen Uses Her Femininity as a Smokescreen

Following the French election, the far-right National Rally will stay out of power—for now. But the journalist Megan Clement warns the movement is not going away, either.

Stylised black-and-white drawing of rows of figures, some wearing hats.

France

France’s Next Chance at a #MeToo Reckoning

Gérard Depardieu being questioned on assault charges gives France another shot at holding its establishment to account.