Eiffel Tower Closed Following Allegations of Sidelining Female Staff
Paris: Staff at the Eiffel Tower staged a protest following allegations that female employees were kept away from certain areas during a visit by a Hindu religious organization. Due to this protest, the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris remained closed throughout the day on Monday.
The controversy stemmed from a private visit that took place last week. A delegation of approximately 100 people was associated with BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), a Hindu religious organization. The delegation had arrived in France for events related to the inauguration of the organization's first large Hindu temple in the Paris suburbs.
Eiffel Tower staff alleged that instructions were issued to remove female employees from their regular workstations during the delegation's visit. According to the staff, some women were asked to move from their posts to other locations. In some instances, male employees were deployed in their place. It was also alleged that female employees were prohibited from entering or passing through certain areas while the delegation was present. Protesting against the incident, Eiffel Tower staff claimed that female employees were sidelined based on their gender. They expressed shock at being asked to work under such conditions.Response from Eiffel Tower Management
SETE, the company that operates the Eiffel Tower, responded to the matter by stating that the Hindu delegation had requested special arrangements to minimize contact with women. However, the company clarified that such conditions should not have been accepted. SETE stated that these conditions were inconsistent with the company's values and the principles of gender equality.
SETE President Ariel Weil also described the incident as clearly unacceptable. It was stated that the Eiffel Tower is committed to the values of the French Republic and the principle of gender equality.
What is BAPS?
BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. It is a spiritual and voluntary organization dedicated to the upliftment of society through personal development and social service. The organization works to promote Hindu values such as faith, service, and global harmony. In India, it is registered as a charitable trust and holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). BAPS carries out humanitarian and social initiatives across various countries. The organization is also known for constructing Hindu temples worldwide.
Clarification from BAPS
Following the controversy, BAPS issued a statement expressing respect for the concerns raised by the staff. It was also clarified that the organization is taking the matter seriously. BAPS stated that the visit was planned in coordination with the Eiffel Tower management due to the large size of the delegation. The organization noted that the visit was scheduled at the start of the tower's operating hours to minimize inconvenience to other tourists.
According to BAPS, to the best of their knowledge, no one was denied entry to the Eiffel Tower during this visit. However, the organization offered a sincere apology if anyone was hurt or inconvenienced by the situation. BAPS reiterated its commitment to universal values such as mutual respect and service to others.Reaction from French political leaders
Many political leaders in France have expressed strong reactions to this incident.Paris Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire stated that the matter would be investigated as soon as possible. They acknowledged the anger among the Eiffel Tower staff and stated that their grievances were justified.
France's Minister for Equality, Aurore Bergé, also expressed displeasure over the incident. She stated that women in France cannot be asked to make themselves invisible. She clarified that no religion or religious doctrine stands above the laws of the French Republic.
French right-wing leader Marine Le Pen also condemned the incident. She remarked that France would never accept attempts to place restrictions on the presence of women.Centrist leader Gabriel Attal also responded, stating that no culture, belief, or religion can dictate the role of women in France.
Eiffel Tower to Reopen
According to its website, the Eiffel Tower attracts approximately 7 million tourists annually. The Eiffel Tower remained closed all day on Monday due to the staff protest. According to employee representatives, it is set to reopen as usual on Tuesday.
This incident has sparked a broad debate in France regarding gender equality, religious practices, and the country's republican values.
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