Marigot hosted a mobilization led by SAFE Saint-Martin, the Young Wolves and the national collective Nous Toutesgathered for to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
There’s nothing quite like a forty people responded to the call to give voice to a perspective long confined to silence and to remind everyone that, in the region as elsewhere, femicides and patriarchal violence remain an alarming reality.
From the outset of the gathering, Cory Le Guen, administrator of SAFE, emphasized the the need to be visible in public spaces“It was important to make a statement today,” he said, noting that the association represents the communities LGBTQIA + from Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and Sint Maarten. He mentioned the absence of a local Nous Toutes collective, which prompted SAFE to take the initiative, with the support of the national branch: “With some comrades, we said to ourselves that it was necessary to do something”.
A call for visibility
The interventions made it possible to recall the chilling figures : 155 femicides since the beginning of the year as of December 1st (including Four femicides on November 20th), including Claire, killed on May 17, 2025 in Quartier d’Orléans, not forgetting Nathalie, murdered in April 2024 in Saint-Martin. These are not tragedies, they are femicides “, Cory Le Guen emphasized. His speech, punctuated by a call for collective mobilization when Overseas territories have 11% more femicides than mainland France., highlighted the cultural dimension of the problem: “What we need is a change of culture, breaking down the logics of domination, educate our children”To call out our loved ones when they cross the line.”
He reiterated that the gathering was as much about paying tribute as raising awareness: “Not everyone is informed. A young woman walked by earlier and discovered that…” Nine out of ten victims know their rapist”It needs to be explained.” SAFE also indicated that it is considering making such an event a permanent fixture from next year, a sign of a long-term commitment.
Strong feminist lyrics
The second highlight of the evening was Sabrina Habhab’s powerful speech. Violence against women begins on day one of our existence,” she asserted, denouncing a society that still too often learns “to minimize, to remain silent, to endure.” She recalled the persistent inaction of institutions: Speeches don’t save anyone. But actions do. His speech, which also mentioned the courage of Gisele PelicotShe also turned to the international situation, recalling that in conflicts “women are used as weapons of war, raped, abducted, silenced.”
The power of words
The evening then took a turn artistic dimension with two poems by Alexandra Viotty, aka Yellow GuavaberryThrough the symbols of the Coralita and flamboyantShe spoke of vulnerability as a strength, the importance of rekindling one’s inner flame: Continue to move forward despite the established order ».
A participatory exercise led by three young women allowed the public to to collectively reflect on statements concerning equality, consent, or gender minoritiesThe participants positioned themselves physically according to their agreement or disagreement, sometimes revealing misunderstandings, but also a real desire to exchange ideas.
Tributes and testimonials
The most solemn moment brought the entire audience together around the Reading of the first names and ages of the 150 women killed in 2025 (as of November 22nd)A minute of silence preceded the lighting of 150 candles, each representing a life stolen. The atmosphere grew even more somber when the daughter of a femicide victim in 2024delivered a poignant testimony“My mother died at the hands of a man. Even today, I suffer greatly from it.” One blow is enough. Talking is important. ” she delivered with overwhelming force.
Amidst tributes, analyses, and calls for collective mobilization, The evening outlined the contours of a struggle that will not end with this gathering.“Before violence knocks on your door, knock on it, reject it, unmask it, refuse to let it take root. Join the fight for a more just, more egalitarian world, where women are no longer sacrificed but respected, listened to, and protected. We are many, and We will no longer remain silent. “That’s it,” concluded Sabrina. A promise shared by all the participants, determined to make Saint-Martin a territory where gender-based violence no longer has a place. _Vx
Source: Faxinfo https://faxinfo.fr/en/150-bougies-pour-150-vies-marigot-rend-hommage-aux-victimes-de-feminicides/
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