On March 8, 2025, FEMEN activists conducted a topless protest in Paris during International Women’s Day events, denouncing the rise of far-right ideologies in Europe.
The demonstrators painted their chests with swastikas intertwined with flags of the United States, European Union, and Russia, symbolizing their stance against perceived fascist tendencies within these entities. They also bore slogans like “Fascist epidemic” and called for a “feminist Europe.”
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In a statement on Instagram, FEMEN declared, “Our infantry, unarmed and nonviolent, will always be ready. We refuse to serve as a Trojan horse for the repugnant ideas of identitarian groups.” They further criticized figures such as Vladimir Putin, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump, labeling them as “fascist,” and accused the U.S. government of erasing the identities of women, queer, and gay individuals.
This protest was part of broader International Women’s Day demonstrations across France, where tens of thousands marched to highlight issues like violence against women and wage disparities.
Background on FEMEN
FEMEN is a radical feminist protest group that originated in Ukraine in 2008. The group became widely known for its topless protests, which they used as a form of political and social activism against patriarchy, religion, authoritarianism, and corruption.
History and Formation
FEMEN was founded in Kyiv, Ukraine, by Anna Hutsol, along with Oksana Shachko and Alexandra Shevchenko. Initially, the group focused on advocating for women’s rights, particularly in response to issues such as sex tourism, prostitution, and human trafficking in Ukraine. Over time, their activism expanded to broader feminist and political causes, using topless protests to attract media attention.
Tactics and Influence
FEMEN became famous for their theatrical and provocative demonstrations, which often included:
- Topless protests with slogans painted on their bodies.
- Direct confrontations with politicians and religious leaders.
- Public disruptions at high-profile events, including political summits, religious ceremonies, and sporting events.
Their protests targeted issues such as:
- Sexism and the exploitation of women.
- Authoritarian governments, including protests against Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko.
- Religious institutions, particularly the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, which they accused of oppressing women.
- Islamist extremism and Sharia law.
FEMEN’s influence grew internationally, and they opened branches in several countries, including France, Germany, and Brazil. However, their radical approach also drew criticism, with some questioning the effectiveness of their tactics and whether they truly represented grassroots feminist activism.
Relocation and Internal Struggles
Due to increasing pressure from Ukrainian authorities and alleged threats from pro-Russian groups, FEMEN leaders, including Inna Shevchenko, relocated to France around 2013. The organization established a headquarters in Paris, where it continued its activities. However, internal divisions and financial difficulties weakened the group over time.
Funding and Donors
FEMEN has been accused of receiving financial backing from wealthy donors, though the specifics remain unclear. Some reports suggest that Ukrainian businessman Gennadiy Udovenko and the German publisher Helmut Geier (a.k.a. DJ Hell) provided funding in the early days. FEMEN has denied being controlled by any political or financial backers, claiming they rely on crowdfunding and donations.
Decline and Current Status
While FEMEN still exists, its prominence has declined since the mid-2010s. Many of its founding members left or distanced themselves from the movement. Some have criticized the group for being too focused on media attention rather than achieving tangible feminist progress.
The recent protest in Paris signifies FEMEN’s ongoing commitment to challenging political and social issues they perceive as threats to women’s rights and democracy.
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