**Eiffel Tower Chief to Resign Amid Controversy Over Gender Segregation During Religious Visit**
The chief executive of the company managing the Eiffel Tower, Patrick Branco Ruivo, has announced his resignation following significant backlash over the treatment of female staff during a recent visit by a Hindu religious delegation. The decision comes after an internal investigation revealed that female employees were replaced by male colleagues as part of arrangements for the visit of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) group.
Ruivo, who has held the position since 2018, will step down at the end of the year, according to a statement from the Société d'Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE). The investigation found "operational flaws and shortcomings" in the organization of the visit, which led to the "unacceptable" decision to remove female staff members from their roles.
The BAPS delegation, consisting of approximately 100 members, visited the Eiffel Tower earlier this month as part of a trip to Paris to inaugurate a new temple. The group adheres to strict gender segregation, which includes limitations on interactions between men and women during religious activities. SETE acknowledged that the delegation had requested arrangements to minimize interactions with women, a request that was ultimately deemed inappropriate by the company.
Reports from staff indicate that women were instructed to leave their posts and refrain from entering certain areas of the tower while the delegation was present. This led to widespread outrage among employees, prompting a strike that resulted in the temporary closure of the iconic monument. A representative from the staff union expressed that the female employees felt "humiliated" by the situation.
Political leaders in France have also condemned the actions taken during the visit. Yaël Braun-Pivet, the president of France's National Assembly, stated, "I refuse to allow women to be compelled to step aside in order to meet the demands of foreign visitors." Emmanuel Gregoire, the Socialist mayor of Paris, characterized the decision as "absurd, unjust and unacceptable," and has initiated two separate investigations into the matter.
In response to the incident, Ariel Weil, chair of SETE, announced plans to implement measures and training programs aimed at promoting gender equality within the organization. He emphasized the importance of preparing for a leadership transition under the best possible conditions in light of the recent events.
BAPS has expressed regret for any distress caused by the incident, stating, "We believe in the universal values of mutual respect and service." The organization, which operates temples in major cities worldwide, including London, Los Angeles, and Sydney, describes itself as a "spiritual, volunteer-driven fellowship dedicated to improving society" through Hindu values.
The group's beliefs are rooted in the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan, an 18th-century ascetic regarded by followers as an incarnation of Vishnu. While BAPS claims that the segregation of men and women is intended to benefit women, critics argue that such practices are outdated and discriminatory, asserting that 18th-century beliefs should not dictate contemporary societal norms.
As the Eiffel Tower prepares for a leadership change, the incident has sparked broader discussions about gender equality and the role of cultural practices in modern society. The repercussions of this event will likely resonate beyond the immediate context, prompting further examination of how institutions navigate cultural sensitivities while upholding principles of equality and respect for all individuals.