Probe after Eiffel Tower female staff replaced by men for visit
France launches an investigation after female Eiffel Tower employees were replaced by men to accommodate a 100-strong Hindu religious delegation on Saturday.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- France investigates Eiffel Tower female staff replacement incident
- Women replaced by men for BAPS Hindu delegation visit
- Paris Centre Mayor Ariel Weil condemns the incident
- BAPS states the trip was coordinated with tower management
An official investigation has been initiated in France following an incident where female employees working at the Eiffel Tower were substituted with male colleagues to host a visiting religious group. The event took place on Saturday when a delegation of approximately 100 individuals linked to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) movement visited the iconic Parisian landmark.
Ariel Weil, who also serves as the mayor of Paris Centre, addressed the French broadcaster Franceinfo on Tuesday, describing the incident as entirely shocking and unacceptable. Weil added that an internal inquiry will be conducted to determine who authorized these arrangements and to guarantee that such an event is never repeated.
This controversy at a premier global tourist destination highlights the persistent clash between strict religious gender segregation practices and France's unwavering commitment to gender equality and public secularism principles.
Labor representatives noted that escalating tensions over the weekend prompted employees to hold a meeting on Monday morning, aimed at opening a dialogue with management and ensuring women at the company would never face such treatment again. Meanwhile, the BAPS movement had just consecrated its first major temple in a Paris suburb on Sunday.
In a statement posted on X, BAPS explained that the tour was organized in coordination with the Eiffel Tower team at the beginning of regular operating hours to prevent any disruption or inconvenience to other visitors. According to its website, the organization functions as a spiritual, volunteer-driven fellowship aimed at societal improvement through Hindu values, operating temples in major global cities including London, Los Angeles, and Sydney.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from prominent French politicians. Gabriel Attal, the former center-right French prime minister who has announced his upcoming presidential bid, stated firmly that no culture, belief, or worship in France has the authority to dictate where women belong.
"In France, no culture, no belief, no worship, nothing nor anyone can come to dictate to women their place."
Gabriel Attal
Source: BBC World
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