Diversity and inclusion in France

When moving to France, you can have a difficult time anticipating what day-to-day life in French society is like. Read on to learn about diversity and inclusion in France.

Accessibility in France

Although some of France’s most picturesque aspects, such as its historical architecture and cobblestone streets, can be difficult to traverse for people with mobility or sight impairments, major efforts have been made to make France more accessible, especially Paris. Most of the attractions in Paris have been made wheelchair-accessible, and Paris-Charles de Gaulle is considered one of Europe’s most disability-friendly airports.

Throughout France, buses and trams are the most accessible forms of transport. Most buses have electronic ramps and lowered floors for ease of access, while trams are designed to be level with station platforms, allowing a smooth entry and exit. In smaller towns and rural areas, accessibility can be more limited than in major cities, so it’s worth researching specific locations before travelling.

Useful resources

Wheelchair Travel in Paris
European Accessible Cities

LGBTQ+ in France

France has been praised for its progressive stance towards LGBTQ+ rights. Homosexuality has been legal since the late 18th century, and in 2013, France became the 13th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, including provisions for same-sex couples to adopt. In 2017, laws were passed to allow transgender individuals to change their legal gender without the requirement of surgery or medical diagnosis. As of 2022, France became one of just a few countries worldwide to ban conversion therapy, and in 2024, the French constitution was amended to include express protections for reproductive rights.

Paris is considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world. Le Marais, in particular, is the centre point of the city’s thriving LGBTQ+ community. Paris Pride, held annually in June, is the country’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration, drawing half a million attendees each year. Beyond Paris, cities like Montpellier, Lyon, Nice, Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseille also host vibrant pride parades and have active LGBTQ+ communities.

Useful resources

L’autre Cercle
SOS Homophobie
Feminist Spectrum

Gender equality in France

The French constitution ensures that all citizens enjoy equal rights, and French women’s equality of access to the benefits of their society is among the highest in the world. France even advocates for women across the globe with its International Strategy for Gender Equality.

That said, there are some holdovers of traditional gender roles in France. These include the idea that women should dress and act traditionally feminine and the assumption that women stay home and men work. These traditional roles can still be seen in the gender pay gap and an uneven distribution of household chores and childcare, although most families nowadays are dual-income, and these gender roles have become much less pronounced.

The EU’s European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) continues to rank France among the top five in the EU as an exemplary country for gender equality. According to the latest Eurostat data, the gender wage gap in France stands at approximately 14 percent, showing improvement compared to previous years. However, when looking at unadjusted figures that don’t account for differences in working hours and positions, women’s average wage income was 24 percent lower than men’s in the private sector. This gap comes largely from a difference in specialisations, with women accounting for most of the workforce in the lower-paid healthcare and social work industries.

In France, expectant mothers are usually afforded 16 to 26 weeks of maternity leave, well above the UN’s International Labour Organization’s recommended 14 weeks. Fathers have 25 days of leave (32 days in the case of a multiple birth), including a mandatory four-day period immediately following their child’s birth.

Useful resources

European Institute For Gender Equality
Agence Française De Développement

Women in leadership in France

As a highly developed democracy, France’s representation of women in leadership is generally excellent. Since the implementation of the landmark Copé Zimmerman law in 2011, France has made significant strides in boosting the number of women in corporate leadership roles, and it now boasts an impressive 40 percent representation of women on boards. This remains among the highest in the world, followed by Italy and the UK, while countries such as Sweden and Germany lag behind.

While women enjoy many freedoms in France, the general representation of their voices in work and politics is an area for improvement. Women’s representation in parliament fell to approximately 36 percent in 2024, down from 40 percent in 2017, although France still leads many European countries in gender equity in political representation.

The French government is making some inroads towards reducing gender disparities and making women’s voices heard. The Rixain Act, introduced in 2021, sets gender quotas for large corporations to achieve by 2026 (30 percent) and 2029 (40 percent) to increase the representation of women in executive roles. This legislation aims to ensure that the number of women in meaningful leadership positions rises by mandating that companies increase diversity in key decision-making roles.

Useful resources

Coordination Française Pour Le Lobby Européen Des Femmes
Professional Women’s Network Paris

Mental health awareness in France

Expats can be at greater risk of mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety, exacerbated by stress and loneliness in a new country. Expats in France commonly mention language barriers, cultural adjustment, and social isolation as key challenges.

Companies are becoming more aware of the impact of mental health issues, and many have adjusted their policies to provide better support. This includes ensuring that mental illness is well covered by the company’s chosen employee healthcare schemes, as well as promoting knowledge and decreasing stigma by holding in-house workshops.

France has excellent provisions for physical healthcare, and although mental healthcare hasn’t traditionally been prioritised, some recent changes are encouraging. Since 2022, the French government has covered the cost of therapy sessions for citizens aged three and older. In most major towns, you can access medical-psychological centres (CMP – Centre MédicoPsychologique), which are specifically for people with mental health needs.

Useful resources

SOS Help – English Speaking Helpline

Unconscious bias training in France

The concept of unconscious bias is an implicit set of often stereotyped ideas we carry about groups of people different to ourselves. These ideas are not purposefully adopted but rather develop subtly over time, and we tend to hold unconscious biases about groups we never or rarely come into contact with. As a result, they’re often inaccurate and based on assumptions.

Unconscious bias can profoundly affect personal and work conditions. In the workplace, unchecked bias undermines important aspects of the company, with negative effects on employee performance, retention and recruitment. In a bid to create a better work environment, many French companies are beginning to institute unconscious bias training. One challenge expats might face is that many training resources are predominantly in French, which can present a language barrier if you’re not a fluent speaker.

Research on the effectiveness of unconscious bias training shows mixed results. While traditional diversity training isn’t always effective and can sometimes backfire, carefully designed programmes focusing on behavioural change rather than just awareness-raising tend to have better outcomes. If you’re looking to implement such training, consider programmes that offer ongoing support rather than one-off sessions.

Useful resources

Harvard Implicit Association Test
Nonprofit Ready Unconscious Bias Training
Harvard Business Review: Unconscious Bias Training That Works

Diversification of workforce in France

Many expats are drawn to France by its attractive work-life balance and sturdy economy. France is a diverse country, home to over 7 million foreigners. When considering the labour market specifically, foreign workers represent approximately 15 percent of the workforce, with 4 percent from other EU member states and 11 percent from non-EU countries.

You can expect to encounter a fairly diverse work environment, and the offices of international firms, particularly in large cities, buzz with different nationalities and languages. Expats of every ethnicity are generally welcomed, although there is occasionally some prejudice reported against African immigrants. The French attitude to some foreign customs can vary; for example, wearing a veil in public that covers the entire head and face is punishable by law. There can be discrimination against women who wear hijabs in the workplace.

Studies show that workplace diversification is hugely beneficial to companies and employees. In recognition, many of France’s largest companies are setting up diversity and inclusion programmes, ensuring that a wide variety of people is represented among employees. Expats might face challenges like temporary contract work, which is common for international workers, and language barriers, which remain one of the biggest obstacles to integration in the French workplace.

Useful resources

Institut National D’études Démographiques
McKinsey: Promoting Diversity In French Companies

Safety in France

France is one of the safest countries in Europe, so expats have little to worry about when it comes to crime here. According to recent crime statistics, the homicide rate in France is approximately 1.14 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is relatively low by global standards.

Petty crimes like theft, mugging and scams do occur occasionally, more often in France’s larger cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, so it’s important to still be vigilant, keep your doors locked, and not carry too many valuables around. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in areas popular with tourists and on crowded public transport.

Be aware that emergency services are accessible through several numbers:

• 112 for general emergencies,
• 15 for medical emergencies,
• 17 for police, and
• 18 for fire services.

Emergency services might also contact you at 0800 112 112.

Useful resources

UK Government: Safety And Security In France

Calendar initiatives in France

4 February – World Cancer Day 
28 February – Rare Disease Day 
March – TB Awareness Month 
8 March – International Women’s Day (widely observed in French workplaces) 
17 May – International Day Against Homophobia 
19 May – Global Accessibility Awareness Day 
June – Pride Month (with major events in Paris and other cities) 
10 September – World Suicide Prevention Day 
21 September – World Alzheimer’s Day 
October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
10 October – World Mental Health Day 
November – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month 
14 November – World Diabetes Day 
25 November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 
1 December – World AIDS Day