Eiffel Tower Closure Sparks Row Over Women Staff ‘Sidelined’ for Hindu Visit

Eiffel Tower staff struck after allegations that managers sidelined female employees during a Hindu delegation’s visit. Workers said supervisors asked women to leave posts while colleagues replaced them during the visit.

The delegation included about 100 people associated with BAPS, visiting France for temple inauguration celebrations. Staff condemned instructions that made female employees invisible while officials welcomed the religious delegation inside. Some women moved elsewhere, while others also avoided specific areas during the delegation’s presence there. SETE, the company operating the Eiffel Tower, confirmed BAPS requested arrangements limiting interactions with women. Management admitted officials should not have accepted those conditions because they conflicted with equality principles.

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Officials Respond as Investigation Begins Over Eiffel Tower Controversy

SETE president Ariel Weil said company rejects practices that undermine equality between women and men. He reaffirmed Eiffel Tower’s commitment to republican values and equal treatment for everyone working there. BAPS apologised to anyone hurt or inconvenienced, while saying organisers coordinated the visit with teams. The organisation said officials arranged the visit during opening hours to reduce disruption for visitors. BAPS also said the large delegation never prevented anyone from entering Paris’s Eiffel Tower once.

The group describes its mission as promoting Hindu values, service, growth, humanitarian work, and harmony. BAPS consecrated its first major temple in France near Paris during festivities that attracted attention. Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire promised a prompt investigation into circumstances surrounding the staff protest today. Gregoire said employees had legitimate concerns and demanded clarity about decisions that triggered their anger. French Equality Minister Aurore Berge criticised the episode, insisting French law fully protects women’s equality. She argued that no religion or doctrine could override laws or require women to disappear. Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen similarly rejected attempts to limit women’s presence anywhere in France. Staff kept the Eiffel Tower closed Monday, expecting normal operations to resume on Tuesday morning.

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