" It needs to change.
We girls must be able to be on an equal footing with the boys”.
Helena, 13 and a student at Hector Berlioz College in Paris, had never taken part in a happening in her life.
But on Tuesday, October 11, International Girls' Rights Day, the schoolgirl, accompanied by several of her classmates, for the first time raised a sign in front of the crowd to say "no" to the violence and harassment that affects millions. of girls in the world.
Around 1 p.m., Place de l'hôtel de Ville, the NGO Plan International organized this event, entitled "We didn't say yes", featuring several 13-year-old schoolgirls to put the spotlight on the importance of the fight against discrimination against young women, and from an early age.
“The fight for equality starts very early in education,” says Fatima Benomar, feminist activist and campaigner at Plan International.
From school, gender stereotypes are everywhere.
And that's why we're putting everything into an education program against sexism at school.
So that one day, there will no longer be a need for an October 11 or a March 8”.
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Since 2001, a school sex education program has been enshrined in law, but it is often neglected in schools.
“In a report issued by the General Inspectorate of Education, we see that these courses have been given to 13% of students in France, deplores Anne Bideau, director general of Plan International France.
It's not enough.
We have to do better and faster.
Because if we teach respect and consent to the youngest, that's how we can build a more respectful and egalitarian society in the future”.