The Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed on Monday due to a strike by employees protesting allegations that female staff members were instructed to remain out of sight during a visit by a Hindu religious group, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). Union representative Diane Davoine stated that women were asked to leave their work areas to make way for men, a claim that has caused humiliation and outrage among female employees. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire has launched an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that such discriminatory conditions are unacceptable and contrary to the values upheld by the Eiffel Tower.

BAPS, while not directly addressing the specific allegations regarding female staff, acknowledged the concerns “very seriously” in a statement. The organization asserted that the visit was coordinated with the Eiffel Tower management to minimize disruption and denied any intention to impose gender-based restrictions. BAPS further apologized for any distress caused and reaffirmed its commitment to equality and mutual respect. The incident has sparked significant backlash, particularly in France, a nation with a strong tradition of feminist activism and constitutional secularism, leading to calls from officials, including France’s Minister for Gender Equality Aurore Bergé, condemning the alleged discrimination as “unacceptable.”

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