Français
The call to action is nationwide. This Saturday, July 4, a large citizens’ march is being organized in Paris and throughout France to protest against sexual and sexist violence. This movement stems from the “Lyhanna case,” named after the 11-year-old girl found dead in the Gers region after being abducted and raped. In Saint-Barthélemy, a call to rally has also been issued. The call was issued by Cécile Rubino Tessier, a territorial councilor for the Action-Équilibre group in charge of Social Affairs. The gathering is scheduled to take place on the plaza in front of the Territorial Collectivity building this Saturday, July 4, at 3:00 p.m. “Because sexual violence affects our entire society, we are coming together to say ‘no’ to sexual violence and to offer our support to all victims—children, women, and men,” writes Cécile Rubino Tessier, who adds: “We hope this event will take place in a calm, respectful, and compassionate atmosphere, so that we can demonstrate our solidarity and commitment. Here in Saint Barth, too, this issue affects us. In Saint Barth, too, we refuse to remain silent. Together, let’s show our support for the victims and our determination to fight against all forms of sexual violence.” The gathering is scheduled to last from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
This initiative comes two weeks after a conference on incest and child abuse organized at the harbor master’s office by the first vice president of the territorial council, Marie-Hélène Bernier.
“A cause that concerns us all”
The rally is scheduled for the same day as the Northern Neighborhood Festival in Flamands. This has naturally sparked some reactions. Online, on her political group’s Facebook page, Cécile Rubino Tessier offered an explanation, clarifying that the purpose of the rally is not to “overshadow” the Northern Neighborhood Festival: “I chose 3 p.m. to align with the movement of citizen rallies being organized at the same time in many areas, so that together we can send a message of solidarity to the victims of sexual violence. This rally will last only about thirty minutes or perhaps an hour. I sincerely believe that it is possible, on the same day, to enjoy a neighborhood festival and also devote a brief moment to a cause that concerns us all. Life in society is also about making room not only for moments of joy and sharing, but also for moments of solidarity and commitment. The two are not mutually exclusive; on the contrary, they can coexist with respect and kindness.”
