Is taking refuge in a tobacconist when you are a victim of street harassment a bad idea? This is the fear expressed by several feminist associations, at the announcement of a partnership between Française des Jeux (FDJ) and the Umay application, which aims to transform as many PMUs as possible into “place of refuge” by summer 2024, just in time for the Olympic Games.
Feminism wash?
After a promising first phase of testing, the system will be extended to the 29,000 operators of the bar-tobacconist-press network who will be able, “on a voluntary basis”, follow the training provided by Umay, the FDJ announced on Thursday 7 March. The application specializes in fighting street harassment and insecurity.
As told in HuffPostthe president of the FDJ, Stéphane Pallez, states that tobacco “ they are already essential places to live, with long opening hours and retailers involved in local life. That they become safe places is of undeniable logic and usefulness. »
However, feminist associations and collectives are not of the same opinion. In a press release published Friday, March 8 on X (formerly Twitter), Women for women France (WFWF) warned about the predatory environment that reigns in PMUs:
“Whether places of drinking or gambling, tobacconists are in no way places of refuge. They are frequented mainly by men and encourage alcohol consumption and gambling. These are conditions that increase the risk of gender and sexual violence. »
Same story from the #NousToutes collective:
“It is good to have “safe places” everywhere but it must be done well”Amy Bah, president of the Lille branch of #NousToutes, commented to AFP. “What will the training of tobacconists consist of? Is this the most appropriate position? If the victim is exposed to derogatory comments from customers, that’s not good. »
And to add:
“We wonder if behind all this there isn’t a ‘washing of feminism’ by the FDJ. We must take this initiative with great caution, we will see how the experiment goes”.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
