Camille Froidevaux-Metterie on Feminism, Women’s Rights & Societal Change | Laure Adler Interview

The ongoing conversation around feminism and its evolution is set to be further explored in a new series of interviews hosted by journalist Laure Adler. Beginning March 6th, the program will feature prominent voices in feminist thought, including philosopher and political scientist Camille Froidevaux-Metterie. The series will air on LCP-Assemblée nationale, with replays available on LCP.fr, france.tv, the LCP YouTube channel, and TF1+ through April 4th.

Froidevaux-Metterie, described as a key figure in contemporary feminist discourse, views feminism not merely as a political stance but as a “program for the transformation of society as a whole.” This perspective underscores a broader ambition than simply achieving equality; it’s about fundamentally reshaping societal structures. Her work consistently returns to the central importance of the body in feminist struggles, challenging the notion that women should strive to “become men like the others” in order to gain acceptance, and power.

The interview, conducted by Adler, promises to delve into the complexities of the feminist movement, its historical trajectory, and the diverse range of messages and struggles it encompasses. Adler’s series aims to provide a platform for women who are actively shaping the discourse around women’s rights, following previous conversations with figures like Ovidie, Michelle Perrot, Alice Coffin, and Irène Théry.

While acknowledging the positive changes brought about by feminist movements, Froidevaux-Metterie also expresses concern over persistent societal shortcomings. She specifically points to what she describes as the “frilosity” – a lack of courage or decisiveness – of the political class regarding issues of sexual and gender-based violence against women. This critique highlights a continuing disconnect between the progress made in raising awareness and the implementation of effective policies to address these critical issues.

Despite these challenges, Froidevaux-Metterie maintains an optimistic outlook, describing the path forward as “joyful.” This emphasis on joy within the struggle suggests a commitment to finding empowerment and fulfillment in the collective effort to achieve gender equality. It’s a perspective that positions feminist activism not as a burden, but as a source of strength and solidarity.

Froidevaux-Metterie’s work has consistently engaged with the historical roots of patriarchal structures. As she explained in a 2024 interview, the assignment of women to specific bodily functions – primarily sexual and maternal – dates back to ancient Greece and has been reinforced throughout history. This historical context is crucial to understanding the deeply ingrained nature of gender inequality and the challenges involved in dismantling it.

Recent web search results indicate a growing interest in Froidevaux-Metterie’s scholarship. A 2024 publication on HAL Science highlights her work on the politicization of gender in urban planning, while a 2020 article in Pouvoirs focuses on feminism and women’s bodies. A forthcoming book, Théories féministes, which she directs, suggests her continued influence in shaping feminist thought.

A 2025 interview with Le Monde reveals a more provocative aspect of Froidevaux-Metterie’s thinking: her assertion that being a feminist necessarily entails a degree of “misandry.” However, she clarifies that this is not a hatred of individual men, but rather a rejection of the patriarchal system that men collectively uphold and benefit from. This perspective, while potentially controversial, underscores the systemic nature of gender inequality and the need to challenge the structures that perpetuate it.

The upcoming interviews with Froidevaux-Metterie and Céline Greco, as part of Adler’s series, promise to offer a nuanced and insightful exploration of contemporary feminism. The series’ availability across multiple platforms – LCP, france.tv, YouTube, and TF1+ – ensures broad accessibility, allowing a wide audience to engage with these important conversations. The extended replay availability, lasting until the end of 2028 on some platforms, demonstrates a commitment to preserving and disseminating these ideas for future generations.

The broadcast schedule includes initial airings on March 6th at 8:30 PM, March 8th at 4:30 PM, and March 12th at 2:00 PM. This timing, coinciding with International Women’s Day, underscores the relevance and timeliness of the series.