IOC celebrates milestone, even number of men and women competing in games
NEW YORK (PIX11) — As the world looks forward to cheering on athletes in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has celebrated a milestone.
For the first time in Olympic history, the same number of men and women will be competing.
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Frances Minister for Gender Equality and Fight against Discrimination in Government Aurore Berge said France has taken several steps recently to ensure women’s equality.
PIX11 News Anchor Arriane LeBeau sat down with the minister to discuss this historic moment.
“It’s not only amazing for France it’s amazing for the world because the world is watching the Olympics,” said Berge.
Paris is the home of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. This all happening in the same city where in 1900 women competed in the Olympics for the first time.
“I hope when our own girls will see and watch the TV show and watch all these superwomen athletes and also in the Paralympics Games, I hope they will think that they are able to. And they can dream to also be women in sports,” said Berge.
Berge said safety will be top of mind for France during the games.
“I am working with the French minister of sports she is also a woman, and we are working to be sure that it will be a safe place for women. Women on the field women in the public,” said Berge.
Minister Berge said now more than ever it is important to stand up for gender equality, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States.
“Because of what happened here In the United States it was really a fragile right and fragile freedom. We had decided to write it down in the constitution,” said Berge.
France is now the first country in the world to guarantee the right to an abortion in its constitution.
“I hope and I think it is really an historic turning point not only for France and Europe but for the world because we have all around the world women who are fighting for their rights. They are fighting for their reproductive rights their own freedom,” said Berge.
The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
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