Marlène Schiappa, the French Minister Delegate for Citizenship, occupies a unique position in the government. Even though she does not hold a sovereign portfolio, she has left her mark politically and in the media and in the cabinet for reviving the meaning of "citizenship".
Born in 1982, the young minister has taken on several duties, including tackling the issue of the integration of immigrants and new citizens in French society. She also strives to combat forms of racial, ethnic or gender discrimination, whether at school, the workplace or at home.
This is significant in country like France, which has risen over the centuries in thanks to the waves of immigrants who have flooded to it, whether from Europe, the Mediterranean, Middle East or Africa.
Before assuming her current post, Schiappa was appointed in the early days of President Emmanuel Macron's term as Secretary of State for Gender Equality. She played a major role in the ratification of the law on combating domestic violence, particularly violence against women. Schiappa had shown a keen interest in women's rights years before entering politics.
Asharq Al-Awsat sat down with Schiappa on the occasion of International Women's Day.
What drives you to continue to forge ahead in defending women's rights?
I have always been committed to defending women's rights. I became a mother at the young age of 24 and later established the "Maman travaille" (mother works) association. I acted as its president for some 10 years before winning a seat in local elections in Rennes (western France).
I later met (President) Emmanuel Macron when he was a presidential candidate in the last elections. I worked by his side as an elections activist. After his election in spring 2017, I was appointed secretary of state in his government. I also worked as a specialist at the Fondation Jean-Jaurès and have written some 30 books that have tackled this subject.
Give us an idea about your way of thinking and the role of your father...
My father taught me at an early age to think independently. I like to consider myself as a self-made woman, as I earned my degree in communications while raising a family. I used my personal experience to launch concepts, and later publish my first book in France about rape culture.
I believe my father played role in shaping my way of thinking and my path in society. I am the daughter of a historian specialized in the "Babeufist" school, established by Gracchus Babeuf, a revolutionary who strived for absolute equality between all citizens to ensure the happiness of the majority. My father was also an expert in secularism. He is a complete leftist and completely committed to this political path. However, he made sure to respect my freedom of choice and never forced me to follow his way of thinking.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in this presidential term?
We adopted four laws in five years. We organized panel discussions that tackled marital violence. This was a turning point that allowed us to bring up domestic violence as one of the most pressing issues of our age. President Macron has declared gender equality as the "grand cause" of his presidency.
These discussions led to innovative measures to protect women against violence. We did not wait for the #MeToo movement to kick off our efforts. Among these measures was the confiscation of the weapon of the abuser spouse as soon as a complaint is filed against them. We also launched a platform, which works around the clock, that allows victims of sexual violence to communicate with the police. Members of the internal security were trained. Victims can file complaints at hospitals if they are too afraid to turn to the police. The list goes on! We were also the first country to criminalize street harassment.
All of these measures change the lives of women. It is time for sexual violence to be snuffed out in all societies. The road, however, is still long, but this presidency has made important achievements in France.
As Minister Delegate for Citizenship, you are defending an issue that is very important in France, especially in wake of the assassination of teacher Samuel Paty. What is your understanding of the French view of secularism?
We understand secularism as a principle of "separation" between religion and the state. We believe that the state is not entitled to interfere in religious affairs or religion. In return, religions do not dictate laws on the state. Secularism, therefore, means that we all enjoy freedom of belief. The state does not impose any official religion. Every individual is free to believe in what he wants and the state will treat everyone equally, whether they are Muslim, Jewish or Christian.
For example, we ensure the security at mosques, just as we do at synagogues and churches, so that people can practice their religion freely and safely. Contrary to reports, wearing the hijab is not banned in France. The same goes for the Jewish kippah and the Christian cross, which can all be worn on the street or at a university in France. Society, therefore, is not being forced to be secular.
On the other hand, public places should appear secular. This is a principle of freedom for the society and a principle of neutrality for public places. I would like to add that our secular example is closely connected to our history. We established it in the past century to protect us from religious wars that have long torn our country apart.
What is the philosophy behind the law on "reinforcing republican principles", ratified in 2021, and which was seen by some as targeting Muslims?
The law is aimed at reinforcing the main republican principles and fighting all forms of extremism in order to protect the freedom of every individual in practicing their beliefs, without undermining the values that make our country democratic. In this vein, we are fighting the extremist Islamic tendency, which is one of the ideologies that may lead to violence. France and other countries have suffered from this violence of which Muslims are the first victims.
However, this extremist Islamist tendency has nothing to do with Islam! Millions of Muslims live in France and are deeply respectful of the laws of the republic. The law on reinforcing republican principles allows the infiltration of organizations and hatred that is spread on the internet. It also combats the violation of human dignity and forced marriage, polygamy, external financing and so on.
Far-right presidential candidate, Eric Zemmour has spoken of the theory of the "great replacement". Do you understand how Muslims feel that they are being targeted?
The "great replacement" is an absurd racist far-right conspiracy theory. I have been fighting this view ever since I became involved in politics. This theory ignores French history that witnessed waves of immigration. My grandfather was Italian and he later became a French citizen. We are all descendants of immigrants because France is a great melting pot of a nation. For a person to be French, they have to share the same values: those of the republic.
My belief in this vision prompted me to naturalize 17,000 foreign workers who have worked on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic. All security, sanitation and healthcare workers and others have helped this country persevere at the risk of their own health. This dedication to the republic deserved recognition in the form of naturalization.
A message to the Arab woman on the occasion of International Women's Day?
First, I deliver this message from one sister to another. Our situation is different, but we are facing the same challenges. We must intensify our efforts in our joint struggle to elevate our freedoms. For five years, I have worked tirelessly in France under slogan of not relenting with anything. I therefore, call on women around the world against giving up and to have faith in their struggle.
