French President Macron Address on Violence Against Women

French President Emmanuel Macron marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women with an address highlighting the legislative approach he will take to change the culture toward women in France. President Macron previewed measures that his government would introduce in 2018 to combat violence against women that included fostering better awareness of gender equality in schools and workplaces, administering heavy fines for catcalling and verbal abuse toward women in public spaces, and the creation of an online reporting and support system for victims before formal charges are filed with police. Mr. Macron said promoting gender equality and combating sexual violence against women would be his government’s top priority in the new year and said France could no longer be a country where women are afraid to speak out or press charges. close