- During the visit of Hindu monks to the Eiffel Tower, the delegation requested limited interactions with women.
- Allegations have emerged that female employees were asked to leave their posts and avoid certain areas during the monks' visit.
- The CGT condemned the workplace instructions that led to female employees being sidelined and replaced based on their gender.
- The Eiffel Tower has shut down amid these allegations.
- Sete acknowledged that the conditions during the monks' visit were not in line with its values and stated it is ready to accept the consequences.
- Paris city authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Employees at the Eiffel Tower protested after a Hindu delegation requested limited interactions with female staff during their visit, leading to the monument's closure on Monday. The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union reported that female employees were asked to leave their posts and were replaced by men.24
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) delegation, consisting of 100 members, visited the tower privately. Staff alleged that female employees were instructed not to enter certain areas while the delegation was present, which they condemned as discriminatory.
Sete acknowledged that the conditions requested by the delegation were unacceptable, stating they were “not in line with Sete’s values, nor with the principle of equality between men and women.” The company expressed readiness to accept the consequences of the incident.5
BAPS monks, who practice celibacy, clarified that their request was not intended to discriminate against women but was part of their moral discipline for personal spiritual upliftment. The situation has sparked outrage among staff and criticism from French politicians, prompting an investigation by Paris city authorities.6
“It means that a Swaminarayan sadhu (monk) could never talk, touch or associate with women,” a BAPS representative stated. The episode has raised significant concerns regarding gender equality in the workplace.
“The CGT union and staff allege female employees were replaced by men and told to avoid certain areas during the delegation's visit. Sete, the monument operator, acknowledged the conditions were 'not in line' with its values and is ready to accept consequences, while Paris city authorities investigate.”
The Independent
