Protests across France call for end to ‘sexist and misogynistic’ culture amid mass rape trial

In Paris, protesters gathered in their thousands to deliver one message: violence and sexual violence against women must stop.

“It’s a sexist and misogynistic country but we are starting to speak out,” Miranda tells me.

“Stopping the violence against women is a fight we need to make every day,” another one woman adds.

Among the crowd, people hold banners reading: “My body, my choice, my right.”

Many demonstrators have been inspired to speak out following several high-profile trials, in particular that of Gisèle Pelicot.

Read more: Victim accuses men alleged to have raped her of ‘cowardice’

She is the 72-year-old victim at the centre of a mass rape trial.

Over a nine-year period, her husband has admitted to drugging and raping her and recruiting other men online to allegedly rape her as well.

Fifty men are on trial alongside him – the majority deny the charges.

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On Saturday, the face of Gisèle Pelicot is held aloft on signs as a celebration of her bravery after she chose to waive her right to anonymity to force France to talk about consent and sexual violence.

“She incredibly strong because she opened the trial up to the public, which is really a sign of courage,” says Lina as she holds a drawing of Gisèle.

“She means that sexual violence should be spoken about, and we should speak about the male aggressors.”

The Paris march is the biggest of several taking place across the country.

Demonstrators say patriarchal France has lagged behind on women’s rights for too long.

For example, it’s only in recent years marital rape been recognised as a crime.

As France’s “Me Too” movement surges, the crowd are demanding action and challenging what they say is a macho society that needs to change.