The Eiffel Tower in Paris was closed to the public on Monday after employees launched a strike protesting the exclusion of female workers during a visit by a Hindu religious delegation. Visitors arriving at the site encountered signs stating that opening was “delayed for operational reasons,” while staff distributed a statement condemning instructions that rendered female employees “invisible” based on their sex.
The controversy centered on a visit by approximately 100 members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). SETE, the company responsible for operating the tower, confirmed that the spiritual group had requested limited interaction with women as part of their tour arrangements.
Emmanuel Gregoire, the Socialist mayor of Paris, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable.” Emphasizing the city’s commitment to gender equality, Gregoire stated that such equality would not end at the foot of historic monuments or anywhere else in Paris.
SETE has since apologized, acknowledging the error in accommodating the request. Company head Ariel Weil, who also serves as an elected official in Paris, told the AFP news agency that SETE would draw necessary conclusions from the event. Writing on his X account, Weil asserted that no religious motive could justify gender-based distinctions in welcoming the public.
A staff representative confirmed that the iconic monument, which attracts roughly seven million visitors annually, remained closed for the duration of the strike but is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday.
Solidarity with the workers. It’s inspiring to see them prioritize principles over profit, even if it disrupts tourism briefly.
Interesting how ‘operational reasons’ was the public excuse. Transparency would have been better than confusing visitors on arrival.
Shocked this happened at all. The Eiffel Tower belongs to everyone, not just those who demand segregation.
I wonder if they would have made the same request for a royal visit? Seems like selective accommodation to me.
Absolutely unacceptable that gender equality isn’t respected at such an iconic symbol of France. Great stand by the staff.