March 8: Université Paris Cité is committed to women’s rights

On International Women’s Day, Université Paris Cité reaffirms its commitment to gender equality, women’s health and the fight against all forms of violence, harassment and discrimination. March 8 is a key date, but our commitment is ongoing. Supporting female students, mobilising staff, pursuing excellence in women’s health, supporting innovation and providing training on equality issues: these priorities form the basis of an ambitious and sustainable policy.

A leading university in innovation for women’s health

Beyond its internal activities, Université Paris Cité actively contributes to structuring the women’s health ecosystem. As a pioneering partner, Université Paris Cité will bring its interdisciplinary expertise in women’s health to the heart of the ‘Femtech Île-de-France’ investment fund launched on the initiative of the Île-de-France Region and deployed by Turenne Groupe.

The purpose of this fund dedicated to companies developing innovations in biotechnologies, medical devices or digital solutions with high medical value is to support the rise of new answers adapted to the specific needs of women’s health, throughout their lives.

Actions for the health and well-being of women students

The University is convinced that health is a major leverage for equality and is setting up specific systems and devices to support its student community:

• Attendance exemption for painful menstruation, in order to better take into account the realities experienced by people facing disabling pain;
• Fight against menstrual poverty, thanks to free distributions of durable hygienic protections on several sites and campuses;
• Development of research and innovation in women’s health, particularly through the interdisciplinary iWISH Institute, which brings together training in midwifery and research structures to sustainably improve women’s health.

Prevent, report, support

Université Paris Cité is fully committed in the fight against gender-based and sexual violence, harassment and all forms of discrimination.

It provides a reporting system available to the entirety of the university. All situations can be reported to the dedicated address: signalement@u-paris.fr. This system ensures a private listening, an adapted support and guidance towards the appropriate service. Actions of sensibilisation and training are regularly offered to students and staff to promote a culture of respect and equality.

Teach to change: the “Equalities” study unit

Since 2021, the University proposes the free study unit “Equalities”, a unique cross teaching intended to train the student community on major contemporary issues related to inequalities, including gender equality.

This study unit offers an innovative multidisciplinary approach, promoting critical thinking and engagement. Each year, the projects carried by students are presented during a dedicated forum, open to the entire UPCité community, thus promoting concrete initiatives in favour of a more inclusive society.