Nantes Embraces a Month of Events Championing Gender Equality
As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8th, the city of Nantes, France, is launching a comprehensive program of cultural and civic events designed to move beyond symbolic gestures and foster tangible progress towards gender equality. This year’s initiatives reflect a bold political ambition: Nantes aims to become France’s first “non-sexist” city by 2030. This commitment is already translating into concrete actions, from providing free menstrual products to reimagining schoolyards as inclusive spaces for all genders. The city’s approach emphasizes that achieving equality isn’t solely about rhetoric, but about embedding it into the very fabric of urban planning, public services, and educational practices.
The program, running throughout March, showcases a diverse range of artistic and participatory events. This multifaceted approach underscores the belief that cultural engagement is a powerful tool for social change and that lasting progress requires the involvement of the entire community. Nantes’ commitment to gender equality is gaining attention as cities worldwide grapple with persistent disparities and seek innovative solutions to create more inclusive environments. The city’s efforts are particularly noteworthy given France’s ongoing national conversation about gender-based violence and discrimination, highlighted by increased awareness campaigns and legislative efforts to strengthen protections for women.
The city’s ambitious goal of becoming “non-sexist” by 2030 is a complex undertaking, requiring systemic changes across multiple sectors. According to the city’s official website, this involves addressing inequalities in areas such as employment, housing, political representation, and access to services. The deployment of 83 free menstrual product dispensers throughout the city is a practical step towards addressing period poverty and promoting menstrual equity, a growing movement advocating for access to safe and affordable menstrual hygiene products. Similarly, the transformation of schoolyards into inclusive spaces aims to challenge gender stereotypes and create environments where all children can thrive.
A Diverse Program of Events
The cultural program kicks off on March 4th with “Ronces” (Brambles), a dance performance by the Nantes-based company Kokeshi at the Salle Sémaphore. The performance reimagines the figure of the witch – historically persecuted and caricatured – as a symbol of resilience and collective power. This production resonates with the ongoing exhibition “Sorcières” (Witches) at the Musée d’Arts de Nantes, creating a dialogue between live performance and cultural heritage. Admission to “Ronces” is free, making it accessible to a wide audience. The Musée d’Arts de Nantes, established in 1801, boasts a collection spanning from ancient to contemporary art, and its current exhibition explores the historical and cultural significance of witchcraft and its association with female empowerment. More information about the Musée d’Arts de Nantes can be found on its official website.
Also on March 4th, the Hexafor will host “Rendre visibles les femmes oubliées de l’histoire” (Making Visible the Forgotten Women of History), a conference-performance conceived by Anabelle Pasillas and Delphine Leroux. This hybrid event blends theatre, history, and sociology to highlight the systematic erasure of women’s contributions from dominant historical narratives. The performance aims to reclaim the stories of women who have been marginalized or overlooked, offering a critical perspective on the construction of historical memory.
Celebrating Female Artists and Voices
On March 5th, the Conservatoire de Nantes will present a concert, BarbaraS – Daïdaïne, juxtaposing the works of two remarkable female artists separated by centuries. Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677), a Venetian composer, was a pioneer in the art of the cantata, although Barbara (Monique Andrée Serre, 1930-1997) remains an iconic figure in French chanson. This concert offers a poetic dialogue between two eras, two voices, and two distinct approaches to navigating a world that often marginalized female artists. Barbara Strozzi, despite facing societal constraints, published eight volumes of her compositions during her lifetime, establishing herself as a significant figure in Baroque music. Britannica provides a detailed biography of Barbara Strozzi.
That same evening, in the Breil district, the Ecart company will lead “La marche des chants” (The March of Songs), a nocturnal, danced, and sung procession open to all women, regardless of artistic experience. This event aims to reclaim the night as a space for celebration and freedom, challenging societal anxieties surrounding women’s safety and mobility in public spaces. The act of collectively occupying the night is both symbolic and political, asserting women’s right to inhabit and enjoy the urban environment without fear.
Sport, History, and Civic Engagement
The weekend of March 7th and 8th promises a dynamic continuation of the program. The 11th edition of West Track Story, a roller derby competition, will take place at the Gymnase du Croissant, bringing together teams from across France and Europe. Roller derby, a swift-paced and physically demanding sport, is predominantly practiced by women and embodies a spirit of empowerment and physical agency. The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), founded in 2004, has played a crucial role in the growth and standardization of the sport globally. The WFTDA website provides information about the sport and its international community.
On Saturday, March 7th, a theatrical walking tour, “Les parts manquantes” (The Missing Pieces), will invite participants to follow in the footsteps of six prominent women from Nantes’ history – a writer, a scientist, a singer, and a painter, among others. The 1.4 km route, accessible to people with reduced mobility, begins at the Musée d’Arts and ends at the Bouteillerie Cemetery, offering a unique perspective on the city’s cultural heritage and the contributions of its female figures.
Finally, on March 8th itself, International Women’s Day, the association Les Affs will host a participatory workshop focused on contributing to Wikipedia, specifically dedicated to feminist and activist figures from Central and Eastern Europe. This initiative addresses the significant gender gap on Wikipedia, where content is overwhelmingly created and edited by men. By encouraging contributions about women’s history and achievements, the workshop aims to increase the visibility of female voices and perspectives online.
A Long-Term Commitment to Equality
The breadth of Nantes’ programming demonstrates a commitment to sustained engagement rather than a one-day event. By extending the celebrations throughout the month of March, the city emphasizes the ongoing nature of the function towards gender equality. International Women’s Day, serves not as a mere symbolic pause, but as a launching pad for long-term action. The success of Nantes’ initiative will likely be measured not only by the attendance at events but also by the lasting impact on policies, practices, and attitudes within the city. The city’s approach, involving collaboration between local associations, artistic companies, and cultural actors, highlights the importance of collective effort in achieving meaningful change.
This multifaceted approach to promoting gender equality in Nantes reflects a growing global trend of cities prioritizing inclusivity and social justice. From implementing gender-responsive budgeting to promoting women’s leadership in local government, cities are increasingly recognized as key drivers of progress towards a more equitable world. The city’s ambition to become “non-sexist” by 2030 is a bold statement, and its success will depend on continued commitment, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms.
For a complete schedule of events and further information, visit metropole.nantes.fr/8mars.
What are your thoughts on Nantes’ ambitious plan? Share your comments below and support us spread the word about this inspiring initiative!