International Women s Day was celebrated around the world on Monday, March 8, and in Paris, the occasion was marked with a march protesting sexism and sexual violence. France has a long history of feminist action, from the Women s March on Versailles in 1789 to the "Manifesto of the 343" written in 1971 by 343 women who had had abortions, and Monday s proceedings were part of that proud tradition; this time, photographer Acielle was on hand to capture the action.
"I felt an overwhelming sense of unity," Acielle said of the event, calling it "a celebration of all women in all ways with lots of chants standing up for empowerment and full social, economic, and political equality for women." Being out in the world as more and more people get vaccinated reminded Acielle of "how different everything used to be, but at the same time, it made me hopeful and longing for a post-pandemic future where we can fully celebrate life again." Check out her view of Monday s march below:
