A strong commitment from the student community at Mines Paris – PSL
Associations are the beating heart of student life at Mine Paris – PSL. Among them, the FéMINistes! (formerly Mines Parité), is dedicated to creating an inclusive space for students committed to the defense of gender equality, the empowerment of women and the fight against gender-based discrimination.
With 42 members divided into four poles, the association works to promote the role of women in engineering and to combat all forms of gender discrimination.
- Pôle Parole: leads discussions and workshops to deconstruct preconceived ideas about feminism and discrimination.
- Field: Implements concrete actions to combat discrimination and improve the situation within the school.
- Communication: Informs students about the situation of women in society and current feminist issues.
- VSS Division: implements measures to combat sexual and gender-based violence, and supports victims.
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A Feminist Week at School
As proof of this, FéMINistes! organized Féministe à l’Ecole (Feminist Week at School) from June 17 to 21, marked by a series of 3 events to promote gender equality.
To kick off the week, students were first invited to discuss gender over a snack with Léane Alestra, feminist and author of the essay “Les Hommes hétéros le sont-ils vraiment?”. For the occasion, she led a discussion on the social construction of gender. Participants explored how gender shapes our identity and relationships. Léane Alestra encouraged students to question stereotypes and pre-established gender norms, while stressing the importance of inclusivity and respect for the diversity of gender identities. The discussion also aimed to encourage students to think critically about how gender norms are integrated into different aspects of society, creating a space for exchange where everyone could express their questions and concerns openly.
Esther, President of the association, and Cyrianne, Head of the Speech Department: “ Leane Alestra’s visit took the form of a small group discussion. This enabled us to have a real exchange with her on gender issues, but also on human relationships. The different types of masculinity, the affirmation of identity by gender from childhood onwards, homosexuality and bisexuality were all discussed. One sentence stood out for us: ‘There’s a contradiction in the way men construct their masculinity: in the first part of their lives they’re enjoined to distinguish themselves from women, only to desire what they’ve learned to despise’. This interview was an opportunity to question the patterns of domination present in our society. We would like to thank her sincerely for her participation at Mines Paris during Feminist Week. “
Afterwards, the association organized a screening of Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s film Mustang, which tells the story of five Turkish sisters’ struggle for freedom in a patriarchal society. With this choice of film, the association wanted to raise students’ awareness of the challenges of women’s emancipation in diverse cultural and social contexts, particularly when patriarchal traditions and norms limit their freedom and autonomy.
Marianne, Head of the Field Unit: “ With the Field Unit, we organized a screening of the film Mustang. It was very well attended, and we handed out cupcakes at the end, so we were able to discuss the film and give our opinions – it was really great! We also collected anonymous testimonials from miners on the theme of ‘Vies de femmes’, which we displayed during the exhibition. I was personally very touched to see how much the miners had invested in the week, many of them playing the game of coming to the events or testifying for the exhibition.”
The week ended in a festive atmosphere (music festival obliged) in the gardens of the École, where the “Libérons la parole” exhibition was presented. The latter showcased student works denouncing discrimination and bearing witness to feminist struggles. Highlights included student testimonies collected by the field unit, a showcase of women artists’ careers by the communications unit, a creative workshop and a feminist quiz. A buffet prepared by the Bureau des Elèves (BDE) food team and the cooking club, as well as an open stage orchestrated by the Bureau des Arts (BDA), made for a convivial and committed end to the day. Donations raised went to the RAJFIRE association, which supports migrant, exiled and refugee women.
