GSL (general speakers list)

Honorable Chair, esteemed delegates, and distinguished guests,

France stands before this committee today with a deep conviction: tradition and
culture must evolve to promote empowerment, not oppression. For far too long,
culture and tradition have been used to perpetuate gender inequality, restricting
women’s access to education, leadership, and decision-making. While we respect
cultural diversity, it is imperative that tradition should never come at the expense of
human rights. Culture should be a force that propels us toward progress and
equality.
In France, we have made significant strides in redefining gender roles by
challenging long-standing cultural norms that limit women’s potential. For instance,
the Copé-Zimmermann Law (2011) mandates a minimum of 40% representation of
each gender on company boards, achieving a breakthrough in corporate leadership.
France now boasts over 43% female representation in its largest companies,
leading the way for other nations to follow. This is not only a victory for women but
for the economy as well, as studies have shown that gender-diverse boards
contribute to better decision-making and financial performance.
In addition to this, France has launched the Grenelle Against Domestic Violence
initiative (2019), which provides emergency protection orders, shelters for survivors,
and increased legal aid to victims. This national project reflects France’s
commitment to addressing gender-based violence, a cultural issue that transcends
borders. Since its implementation, France has seen a significant increase in the
reporting of domestic violence cases, and there has been a notable increase in
convictions for perpetrators.
Moreover, through the #MeToo movement and initiatives like #StOpE (Stop Sexist
Violence in Education), France is actively combating sexist and misogynistic
behaviors that persist in educational and professional environments. These efforts
aim to raise awareness and create a safer, more inclusive environment for both
women and men by addressing traditional gender expectations in both public and
private spheres.
On the global stage, France is not only committed to reforming gender norms within
its borders but also works tirelessly to ensure that other nations uphold similar
values. Through its Feminist Foreign Policy, France has integrated gender equality
into its international development aid, allocating 50% of its bilateral development
assistance to programs that advance gender equality, including projects that
promote women’s economic empowerment and political participation. The French
Development Agency (AFD) funds over 200 gender-focused initiatives, specifically
targeting women’s leadership in Africa and the Middle East.
One notable international partnership that France is leading is the Generation
Equality Forum, an initiative co-chaired by France and Mexico under the
auspices of UN Women. This global platform brings together governments, civil
society, and the private sector to secure commitments for gender equality.
France, alongside other stakeholders, has successfully secured $40 billio n in
financial commitments to tackle gender inequality across the globe, with a
special focus on eradicating violence, improving access to education, and
enhancing economic opportunities for women.
While progress has been made, gender norms shaped by culture and tradition
continue to hinder millions of women worldwide. It is estimated that 129 million
girls globally remain out of school, while one in three women have experienced
some form of gender-based violence. These figures are a stark reminder of the
work that lies ahead.
Therefore, France calls for the following actions:
Engage cultural, religious, and community leaders in a global dialogue to
reinterpret traditions in ways that empower women and support gender
equality.
Strengthen legal frameworks internationally to ensure that harmful practices
such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and honor-based violence
are eradicated once and for all.
Expand education programs focused on gender equality from an early age,
ensuring that the next generation understands the importance of equality
and respect, regardless of cultural backgrounds.
Increase investment in women’s leadership globally, particularly in regions
where traditional gender roles severely limit women’s participation in political
and economic decision-making.
As we move forward, let us remember that culture is not static; it evolves with
time. In France, we have embraced this idea and taken concrete steps to
reshape our cultural norms for gender equality. We call on all nations
represented here today to do the same, ensuring that future generations of
women will inherit a world where they are free to pursue their dreams,
regardless of the traditions they were born into.
Together, we can create a world where culture celebrates equality, where every
woman, girl, and person has the opportunity to thrive without being constrained
by outdated gender norms. Let us work together for a future of empowerment,
not oppression.
Merci. Thank you