Lyhanna Affair: Appeal to Men for Increased Participation in Mobilizations

Paris – 22.06.2026: Following the murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in June 2026, feminist organizations nationwide have called for mobilizations to protest against violence against women and children. Despite broad support from women, male participation in these protests has so far been low.

The spokesperson of the National Collective for Women’s Rights, Andréa Bescond, emphasized the need for comprehensive legislation against sexual violence and called on men to participate more actively in the mobilizations. She criticized the low male presence at the previous protests and demanded stronger involvement of men in the movement.

The previous mobilizations have taken place nationwide, including in cities such as Paris, Toulouse, and Tarbes. In Paris, around 2,900 people gathered on June 8, 2026, to protest against violence towards women and children. Despite broad support from women, male participation in these protests has so far been low.

The low male participation in the protests is interpreted by some observers as a reflection of social norms and gender roles that exclude men from active participation in feminist movements. It is emphasized that combating violence against women and children is a societal responsibility requiring the active involvement of all genders.

The demands of the mobilizations include, among other things, the creation of comprehensive legislation against sexual violence, the improvement of resources for the protection of women and children, and the promotion of educational programs for violence prevention. The organizations stress the need for enhanced cooperation between state institutions, civil society organizations, and the public in order to implement effective measures against violence towards women and children.

The discussion about the role of men in the feminist movement and their participation in protests against violence toward women and children remains a central topic. It is expected that future mobilizations will increasingly focus on involving men to achieve broader societal support for combating violence against women and children.

The current developments also raise questions about the effectiveness of previous political measures in the area of victim protection. There is debate about whether the existing laws and institutions are sufficient to ensure the protection of women and children from violence or whether comprehensive reforms are necessary.

Overall, the Lyhanna affair highlights the urgent need to question societal norms and create an inclusive movement that holds all members of society accountable to combat violence against women and children.