The first “Sexism Barometer”, published on the eve of International Women’s Rights Day, is part of the continuation of the #MeToo movement and against a backdrop of an increase in the number of complaints against sexual violence.
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At home, at work or in transport, sexism remains anchored in the daily life of French women. This is what the High Council for Gender Equality notes in a report published Monday, March 7, on the eve of International Women’s Rights Day. The first “Sexism Barometer” is part of the continuation of the #MeToo movement and against a backdrop of an increase in the number of complaints against sexual violence.
The report highlights figures “alarming” : six out of ten French women say they have been subjected to a sexist act or remarks in the street and in transport, 46% of the women questioned have experienced sexist acts at work, and 43% are victims at home. Acts found to be sexist in the report range from remarks “as a spring of humor” (which 57% of women say they have experienced) to the pay gap for equal positions or skills (concerning 21% of the panel).
The High Council emphasizes in its report that the “young women seem more exposed” or become more aware of the subject than previous generations. For example, 13% of women surveyed say they have had a forced sexual act, but this figure rises to 20% among 18-34 year olds.
In front of “a general socio-cultural context conducive to sexism” depicted by the instance, movements denouncing sexist gestures like #MeToo receive the approval of the majority of the opinion. Two out of three French people say “in favor of these movements”and 52% of respondents consider them to be “required”. One in three French people now say they are careful not to be sexist in their actions and words. But 26% of the men surveyed share their “fear of being perceived as sexist” when approaching a woman. Among 25-34 year olds, this share is 40%.
To sensitize the French to sexism, the High Council calls for a priority fight “against impunity for gender-based and sexual violence” and to guarantee education in emotional and sexual life during the school curriculum, as enshrined in law since 2001. As for the legal arsenal in the fight against sexist acts, eight out of ten French people believe that the sanctions are “insufficient or badly applied”and 53% of the French “do not feel informed about existing laws and sanctions to combat sexism”.
The survey was conducted by the Viavoice Institute for the High Council for Equality between Women and Men, from February 2 to 16, 2022 among 3,000 French men and women over the age of 15.