Senator Dominique Vérien warns of growing influence of masculinism in France

Paris – 24.06.2026: Dominique Vérien, chairwoman of the delegation for women’s rights in the French Senate, has warned about the growing influence of masculinist ideologies in France. She called this development a serious threat to public order and national security. Vérien emphasized that these ideologies not only undermine women’s rights but also seriously threaten social cohesion.

The French Senate recently published a report addressing the networks and movements of masculinism. This document analyzes the structure and spread of masculinist groups, which are gaining increasing influence in various societal areas. Vérien, together with her colleagues Béatrice Gosselin, Olivia Richard, and Laurence Rossignol, presented the findings during a press conference on June 24, 2026.

The Haut Conseil à l’Égalité (HCE) also devoted extensive attention to this topic in its report published in January 2026. The HCE distinguishes between two forms of sexism: paternalistic sexism, which hierarchically legitimizes traditional gender roles, and hostile sexism, which is openly aggressive and derogatory. Both forms are widespread in French society and contribute to the spread of masculinist ideologies.

The French Directorate General for Internal Security (DGSI) recently classified the dangers of masculinism as a terrorist threat in a podcast. Matthieu, an expert in right-wing extremism at the DGSI, explained the challenges this movement poses to national security.

Vérien emphasized that education must play a central role in combating the spread of these ideologies. Better education about interpersonal relationships and respectful interaction should be promoted to strengthen social cohesion. She called for broad societal awareness of the dangers of masculinism, as well as enhanced measures to promote equality and respect.

Moreover, various French authorities and institutions are collaborating on programs intended to counteract this development. These include, in particular, strengthened educational initiatives, the promotion of equality, and the monitoring and regulation of online platforms to prevent the spread of the relevant ideologies.

The public debate on the impact of masculinism is clearly gaining momentum in France. The available reports and warnings underline the urgency of addressing this issue seriously and decisively. Dominique Vérien and her colleagues are calling on politics and society to consistently act against this threat in order to protect women’s rights and ensure societal stability.