The chief executive of the company responsible for managing the Eiffel Tower is stepping down after significant public outrage over the removal of female staff members to accommodate a visiting Hindu religious delegation. Patrick Branco Ruivo, who has served as director general since 2018, will conclude his tenure at the end of the year, according to a statement released by Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE).
An internal investigation concluded that “operational flaws and shortcomings” in the planning process led to the “unacceptable” sidelining of women. Approximately 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) group visited the Paris landmark earlier this month. The organization, which traces its origins to the 18th century, enforces strict gender segregation in its temples and activities.
SETE initially stated that the BAPS delegation had requested limited interaction with women and acknowledged that “these conditions should not have been accepted.” However, a union representative for staff reported that female employees were instructed to vacate their workstations and avoid specific areas while the group was present, leaving them feeling “humiliated.” The incident prompted a strike by tower staff and widespread condemnation from French politicians.
Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of France’s National Assembly, declared that she would not permit women to be forced aside to satisfy the demands of foreign visitors. Emmanuel Gregoire, the Socialist mayor of Paris, characterized the decision as “absurd, unjust and unacceptable” and ordered two separate inquiries. SETE chair Ariel Weil announced on Tuesday that he had requested the implementation of training programs and measures to promote gender equality moving forward.
BAPS issued an apology earlier this month for any distress caused, reaffirming its commitment to universal values of mutual respect and service. The group, which describes itself as a volunteer-driven fellowship dedicated to societal improvement through Hindu teachings, operates temples globally, including in London, Los Angeles, and Sydney. While BAPS asserts that gender segregation is intended to benefit women, critics argue that such 18th-century practices are discriminatory and incompatible with modern societal standards.
Glad the CEO is going, but I worry about the ‘training programs’ mentioned. Real change requires more than just classes.
Does BAPS enforce this globally or only when convenient? Seems selective about which cultural norms they prioritize abroad.
I’m shocked this happened at such an iconic symbol of French values. The apology feels too little, too late for the staff.
How does a major tourist landmark accommodate religious segregation requests without any prior consultation? The planning failure is staggering.
Resignation is the only acceptable outcome. Women should never be forced to hide in their own workplace.