Jan 5, 2020 … … Eiffel tower scene! (yep AO3 is going to be full with creepy … The Master collapses into Graham’s arms as the general anaesthetic takes over.
Well, folks, it seems the Eiffel Tower has become more than just a romantic backdrop for couples and a selfie hotspot for tourists. The head honcho of the company that operates this iconic structure is stepping down at the end of the year, and let me tell you, the circumstances are as surprising as finding a pigeon at a fine dining restaurant.
Now, what could possibly lead to such a dramatic exit? You might think it was a scandal involving overpriced croissants or a particularly bad review on TripAdvisor. But no, it turns out that the decision to exclude female staff during a visit from a Hindu religious group was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Yes, you heard that right—women were asked to take a backseat during this delegation visit. I mean, in 2023, who thought that was still a good idea?
The backlash was swift and severe, as you can imagine. It’s not every day that a tower, which has seen its fair share of romantic proposals and Instagram filters, becomes the center of a controversy about gender exclusion. Public outrage erupted like a poorly planned fireworks display. People were not only upset but also bewildered—after all, this is the Eiffel Tower we’re talking about, a symbol of love, light, and all things French. Excluding women? Really?
The decision to sideline female employees during this visit raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about inclusivity and respect in the workplace. It’s almost as if someone thought, ‘Hey, why not throw out decades of progress and revert to a time when women were only seen and not heard?’ Spoiler alert: that time was not great for anyone involved.
In a world where we strive for equality, this incident serves as a reminder that we still have a long way to go. It’s not just about having women in the workplace; it’s about recognizing their value and making sure they feel included—and no, shoving them in a closet during a delegation visit doesn’t count as inclusion.
As the chief prepares to step down, one can only hope that the next leader of the Eiffel Tower will be more attuned to the nuances of modern society. Maybe they’ll even consider having a diversity training session or two—who knows?
In the end, let’s raise a glass (or a crêpe) to the Eiffel Tower—may it continue to stand tall, not just as a monument to architectural genius but also as a beacon for inclusivity and equality. Because if there’s one thing we should all be able to agree on, it’s that everyone deserves a chance to shine—especially when you’re standing under the shadow of one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
Inspired by: “Eiffel Tower chief to step down after exclusion of female staff during Hindu delegation visit” (r/World)