A long-standing association within the School
For over ten years, the FéMINistes! association has been working within Mines Paris – PSL to promote gender equality and combat sexist discrimination. With a team of 49 members organized into five areas (speaking out, fieldwork, communication, VSS—combating sexist and sexual violence—and education), it carries out awareness-raising, prevention, and training activities throughout the year, working closely with the school’s management and other student associations.
A rich, collective, and inclusive program
Among its highlights was the second edition of FéMINistes! Week, held from June 9 to 13. It offered a rich and engaging program combining culture, debate, creativity, and conviviality.
On Monday, the screening of the documentary Les femmes riches ne courent pas les rues (Rich women don’t run the streets) by director Véronique Préault opened the week with a reflection on the economic and social mechanisms that shape gender inequalities.
On Tuesday, two events marked the day: first, the installation of an exhibition by the Projet Matilda, highlighting women scientists and their contribution to the history of science; second, a writing workshop for the Vendôme, the student newspaper, on the creation of articles to be published in the next issue, dedicated to feminist themes.
On Wednesday, the conference organized with the Xettes, the first female students at the École Polytechnique, was a highlight. A former student from the first female class at the École Polytechnique came to talk about her experience and the challenges she faced in an institution that had long been reserved for men (until 1972). The day continued with a creative evening open to all forms of artistic expression, where participants could personalize T-shirts.
On Thursday, a shared meal brought the students together for a warm moment before giving way to the Grande Soirée Trivia des Femmes et des Féministes (GSTFF). This original quiz combined general knowledge and feminist themes in a fun atmosphere conducive to discovery and exchange.
Finally, on Friday, a closing snack provided an opportunity to look back on the highlights of the week. A surprise sparked lively discussion: a menstrual pain simulator was made available to encourage discussion around a topic that is often taboo, yet central to the daily lives of many women.
“The association is delighted with the enthusiasm generated by this new FéMINistes! week. Thanks to a variety of fun activities, we were able to highlight several aspects of gender inequality as well as women’s everyday lives. The students turned out in force, and the week was punctuated by some great discussions.”
The FéMINistes! organizing team
“I would like to thank the association for the wonderful opportunity for discussion that was the afternoon snack! I thought it was great to have a period pain simulator, as it created a real space for discussion about periods, a subject that is part of everyday life for half the population and yet is still taboo.”
A participating student
A commitment that continues throughout the year
Throughout this week, FéMINistes! is continuing its mission: to create welcoming spaces for dialogue, raise awareness of gender equality issues, promote the role of women in science, and combat all forms of sexism.
The association is already preparing its next projects, including the development of an “Education” hub created this year to promote scientific studies among middle and high school girls, and the renewal of its annual survey on VSS within the School.
Association website
