On January 31, 2021, the Collectif Némésis staged a provocative protest in Paris against “World Hijab Day,” advocating for women’s safety and challenging mainstream feminist narratives. Led by Alice Cordier, the group faces criticism for perceived racism and controversial views on immigration and Islam. Their activism, which includes public demonstrations and critical commentary on societal issues, aims to redefine femininity and spark debate on the intersections of feminism, cultural identity, and women’s rights.
A Foggy Protest and Rising Visibility
On a misty morning, January 31, 2021, a group of young women emerged at Trocadéro square in Paris. Clad in black niqabs, approximately thirty members of the Collectif Némésis gathered against the iconic silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, unveiling a banner that posed the provocative question: “French women in 50 years?”
However, their demonstration was soon interrupted by police, who took the group’s leader, Alice Cordier, into custody. After eight hours, Cordier was released and found herself inundated with texts and missed calls. “Incredible images were created that morning, especially with the fog obscuring the Eiffel Tower’s peak,” Cordier reflected. “Suddenly, we found ourselves at the center of a media storm.”
Challenging Perspectives on Feminism
The event, dubbed “No Hijab Day,” catapulted Collectif Némésis into the public eye. In subsequent interviews, Cordier and her fellow activists explained that their protest was a counter-response to “World Hijab Day,” which aims to promote understanding of women who wear headscarves. Critics, however, view it as an Islamist propaganda effort.
Students from the prestigious Sciences Po in Paris had also advocated for the pro-hijab initiative, shocking Cordier: “How can an institution like Sciences Po, which claims to represent enlightenment, support this?”
Two years later, the activists staged another “No Hijab Day,” this time at the base of the Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre. Dressed in a mix of black niqabs and white robes, they displayed a banner that asked, “Which civilization do you want?” These actions are part of a broader strategy by Collectif Némésis to provoke discussion and raise awareness about their views on immigration, Islam, and women’s safety.
As the 27-year-old leader shared her vision over coffee in Paris, accompanied by her friend Anaïs, it was clear that their appearance mattered to them. “We embrace ‘coquettish femininity,'” Anaïs stated, emphasizing that wearing skirts and high heels doesn’t equate to conforming to patriarchal ideals. Cordier echoed this sentiment, arguing that their femininity is a form of empowerment, in stark contrast to many left-wing feminists.
Founded in October 2019, Collectif Némésis seeks to shed light on the intersection of feminism with issues of immigration and Islam. Cordier explained that they intentionally set aside traditional feminist topics like equal pay to focus on what they perceive as more urgent matters. “While everyone supports equality, we believe women’s safety should take precedence,” she asserted.
Despite their claims of feminist identity, left-wing feminists and scholars have dismissed Collectif Némésis, accusing them of racism and of reducing gender-based violence to issues surrounding migrants and Muslims. Cordier, however, stands firm against these critiques, insisting that they are addressing the real dangers women face and highlighting the rising incidents of harassment and violence.
Both Cordier and Anaïs have personal experiences that shape their perspectives. Cordier recalls being objectified at a young age, while Anaïs faced harassment during a trip abroad, experiences that fuel their advocacy. They cite a 2020 study from the French Ministry of the Interior, suggesting that a majority of sexual assaults in public transport are committed by non-French individuals, despite the relatively small size of the foreign population in the region.
In addition to highlighting assaults committed by migrants, the activists also criticize the left, mainstream media, and what they see as a lenient judiciary. Cordier argues that current prison sentences for rapists do not act as a deterrent, and they advocate for stricter measures.
Cordier’s political affiliations align with the right-wing Rassemblement national (RN) party. Her political journey began at age 15 with Action française, a group advocating for the restoration of the monarchy, but she has since distanced herself from royalist views. Her education in law, social sciences, and political communication has equipped her with the skills to navigate complex political discussions.
In November 2021, Cordier and her group made headlines again during a feminist march when they unfurled a controversial banner citing statistics on Afghan attitudes towards women. The event led to confrontations with leftist protesters, illustrating the contentious nature of their activism.
Today, Collectif Némésis boasts a growing membership of 250 activists and five permanent staff members, supported by donations. They maintain connections with similar women’s groups across Europe and have garnered attention from various political spheres.
As political scientist Della Sudda observes, Collectif Némésis exemplifies the evolving landscape of feminism, challenging traditional narratives while sparking debates on women’s rights, immigration, and cultural identity.