Celebrating women by rethinking boys' education
It is the education of men, and first and foremost that of future adult males, that needs to be rethought. This conviction was recently brought back into the spotlight by French actress Sophie Marceau, and it resonates particularly strongly in March, a month traditionally dedicated to celebrating women's rights.
On this occasion, numerous events are organised to highlight progress in terms of equality and emancipation. However, despite decades of struggle, current events serve as a brutal reminder that sexist attitudes and behaviour persist. News stories bear witness to this: violence against women remains a worrying reality. This raises an important question: how can we promote equality without thoroughly questioning the way boys are educated? How can we effectively combat sexual and sexist violence without deconstructing gender stereotypes from an early age? This is the aim of the initiative launched by Collège Mont des Accords.
A very "gentlemanly" programme at Collège Mont des Accords
Following the success of the "Ladies" seminar, organised in 2025 by two Year 10 classes and their teachers, this year the school has decided to make this seminar a key event dedicated to gender equality, self-respect and respect for others, as well as the prevention of violence.
"Gentlemen" will take place on 5 and 6 March, with two Year 8 classes and one Year 9 class setting the tone for this second edition. On Thursday 5 March, the morning will be devoted to raising awareness of sexual, sexist and domestic violence with the Gendarmerie, in partnership with professionals from the Maison des Femmes de Saint-Martin. On Friday 6 March, several highlights are planned: a theatrical and musical performance, presentations by the schoolchildren and a discussion with the guest artists. Silverman, patron of the event and singer with the group Tanmpo Klassik, Philippe Sadikalay, teacher and musician with the group Soft, and Erauss, poet and slam artist, will be present for the occasion. An educational workshop entitled "Gallantry/Courtesy Generation Z," led by Steve Gadet, alias Fola, author and lecturer at the University of the Antilles, will also be on the programme. The morning will be presented by Nicolas Joachim-Eugène, Monsieur Guadeloupe 2000 and TV/radio host, as master of ceremonies.
A lever against violence and for equality
Beyond the speeches, this seminar is intended to be a real educational tool. By giving students a voice, encouraging exchanges with inspiring figures and addressing issues of violence and respect head-on, the school aims to tackle the root causes. Because while equality is proclaimed, it is also learned. And it is perhaps in the classrooms of secondary schools that the fairer society of tomorrow is being built in concrete terms.
