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France Grapples with Surge in Femicides as Activists Demand Action

A growing wave of protests is sweeping across France as authorities report a disturbing increase in femicide, the intentional killing of women by a man.Demonstrations, including a powerful “die-in” in Puy-en-Velay, coincide with the International Day for the elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighting the urgent need for more effective policies and societal change.

According to data released by miprof, the interministerial Mission for the protection of women against violence and the fight against human trafficking, marital feminicides rose by 11% between 2023 and 2024, resulting in the deaths of 107 women at the hands of their spouses or former partners. The NousToutes collective, a prominent advocacy group, has recorded an even higher number, counting 149 victims of femicide in France as of November 21, 2025.These grim statistics were underscored by a recent indictment in Gard, where a 61-year-old man is in custody, suspected of murdering his partner.

Demonstrators Stage Symbolic Die-In

In Puy-en-Velay on Saturday, over a hundred individuals participated in a poignant presentation to raise awareness about the escalating violence. Activists staged a “die-in,” lying on a blood-red carpet with masks concealing their faces. Each participant bore the name of a woman lost to feminicide, representing the 141 victims documented by the NousToutes association in 2024.

“Aged from 18 to 95,they came from all social and geographical backgrounds. All women are affected,” explained a leader of the procession. The demonstration aimed to visually represent the devastating impact of these killings and to demand greater attention to the issue. “These numbers are still lower than reality,” one advocate stated, emphasizing the underreporting of such crimes.

Funding Cuts and Policy Shortcomings

While acknowledging president Emmanuel Macron’s public statements on women’s rights, advocates argue that current public policies are insufficient to address the crisis. A representative from the CIDFF of Haute-Loire (Information Center on the Rights of Women and Families) expressed concern over dwindling financial support for organizations working to combat violence against women.

“Our subsidies are falling, some CIDFF have had to lay off employees,” the CIDFF president noted. “The 2026 budget also worries us a lot.” This reduction in funding comes at a time when demand for services is increasing, with CIDFF employees actively reaching out to communities in towns like Chadrac and Saint-Julien-Chapteuil to provide support to potential victims.

The Rise of Masculinism and the need for Societal Change

Activists emphasize the need for a broader societal shift in attitudes towards violence against women. “society must take full ownership of the subject, especially with the rise of masculinism and social networks,” a CIDFF leader insisted. Collaboration with schools, law enforcement, and even sports clubs is seen as crucial to fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

Looking to successful models abroad, the advocate pointed to Spain, where implemented policies have reduced the number of feminicides by more than three-fold since 2004.

the CIDFF of Haute-Loire will host a film debate at Ciné Dyke on Thursday, November 27 at 6 p.m., screening We believe