A workplace dispute at the Eiffel Tower has escalated into an international debate on secularism and gender discrimination, forcing the famous landmark to shut down for a day.
The incident occurred on Saturday when a delegation of about 100 members of the Gujarat-headquartered BAPS visited the Eiffel Tower before the inauguration of a new Hindu temple in the Paris region. According to Diane Davoine, a union representative for Eiffel Tower employees, women working at the monument were instructed to leave their posts so that male employees could take their places.
The Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), which operates the tower, acknowledged that the visiting delegation had requested arrangements that would limit interactions with women. The company admitted that these conditions should not have been accepted.
Employees at the monument said that during the delegation’s visit, female staff were also directed not to enter or traverse specific areas while the group was on-site. The move saw outraged staff walk off the job on Monday, closing the French landmark for a day.
BAPS Paris said it never intended the request to be based on gender, and any implication to the contrary does not align with the spirit or values of its community or delegation. The organisation emphasised its commitment to principles of equality, respect, and service to all individuals, regardless of gender, background, or belief.
The Eiffel Tower reopened on Tuesday after BAPS issued an apology. The incident has triggered an investigation by Paris city authorities and drawn sharp reactions from French politicians ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
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