**Eiffel Tower Director to Resign Following Controversy Over Treatment of Female Staff**
Patrick Branco Ruivo, the director general of the company that operates the Eiffel Tower, has announced his resignation amid a controversy regarding the treatment of female employees during a recent visit by Hindu dignitaries. The announcement was made on Tuesday to staff and the board of directors of the Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), with Ruivo indicating he would step down by the end of the year.
The controversy arose from an incident on September 5, when members of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a global conservative Hindu organization, visited the iconic landmark. Reports from French media indicate that during this visit, female employees were reportedly sidelined and replaced by male staff, leading to significant backlash from the workforce.
While Ruivo denied giving any directives to exclude women, he acknowledged that female staff were indeed sidelined during the visit, expressing regret over the situation. "Nevertheless, women were indeed sidelined, and I regret that," he stated, as reported by Le Figaro.
An internal investigation conducted by SETE found "a series of dysfunctions and failures" in the management of protocol visits, which contributed to the unacceptable treatment of female employees. The City of Paris has also initiated a separate investigation into the matter, which is still ongoing.
The incident gained traction when employees at the Eiffel Tower reported that management had issued instructions that effectively marginalized female staff during the BAPS delegation's visit. According to accounts from staff, some women were asked to vacate their posts, while others were instructed to avoid certain areas during the delegation's presence. This led to claims that female employees were rendered "invisible" due to their gender.
In response to the incident, the CGT trade union, which represents Eiffel Tower employees, organized a strike on September 7, resulting in the landmark's closure for the day. The union protested against the treatment of female staff and called for accountability from management.
SETE later clarified that the Hindu delegation had requested arrangements that limited interactions with women, stating that "these conditions should not have been accepted." In contrast, BAPS denied making any requests to exclude female employees from the visit. The organization emphasized that its monks adhere to personal spiritual commitments but do not impose them on others. BAPS also issued an apology for any distress caused by the incident.
BAPS is recognized for constructing large Hindu temples and cultural complexes worldwide, including locations in Robbinsville, New Jersey, London, and Abu Dhabi. The delegation's visit to the Eiffel Tower coincided with celebrations for the inauguration of a new BAPS temple in the Paris suburb of Bussy-Saint-Georges.
As the situation continues to unfold, Ruivo's resignation marks a significant response to the growing concerns over gender equality and workplace treatment within the iconic institution. The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris and a global tourist attraction, now faces scrutiny not only over its operational practices but also over its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all employees.