Women in Paris Protest against ‘No Go Zones’

Women protest against the "No Go Zones" in Paris.

The so-called "No Go Zone" in Paris, France.

Women took to the streets of one of the poorest areas of Paris on Friday to protest at what they say has become an all-male “no-go zone”, where any female daring to go there alone is subject to severe sexist harassment or worse.

It’s claimed the district of Chapelle-Pajol, in the north east of the French capital, has become more dangerous for women as the rate of immigration there grows. Large groups of men are said to hang around in the streets, sometimes drinking, and often intimidate women.

One 80-year-old woman from the district has even said she was sexually assaulted walking home one night. Others have complained about catcalls and verbal abuse, which makes them feel unsafe.

SOS La Chapelle, which organized the protest, has launched an online petition urging Paris authorities to highlight the harassment, drug-dealing and crime plaguing parts of Paris. It has so far been signed by more than 18,000 people. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said: “We will not tolerate an area being prey to acts of discrimination against women.” “That does not correspond to the values of Paris nor of the Republic” he added.