In partnership with the Women's Foundation, Capgemini France has provided a concrete solution to the lack of women's refuges after a spike in domestic violence following COVID-19 restrictions and an overwhelming need for thousands of women and children to access safe shelter

Increased domestic violence through the pandemic

During COVID-19 lockdown, domestic and intra-family violence worsened. The French Ministry of the Interior reported a 30% increase in reports of situations of marital and intra-family violence and a 44% increase in interventions by the police for family disputes. In response, the Women's Foundation launched its emergency campaign #ToutesSolidaires, which raised three million euros. 

A focus of this emergency campaign was to ensure the safety of women and their children. However, existing refuges were full - which is when Capgemini France stepped in. They contacted the Women's Foundation with the following proposal: to open, for the safety of women and their children, its seminar venue, Campus Serge Kampf Les Fontaines [pictured above] hosted by the URSF association.

Providing a concrete solution to the problem

For two months, in the greatest secrecy to ensure the safety of families, the teams of Capgemini, URSF and the Women's Foundation provided a place to stay for 50 women and their children.

Capgemini employees also came to provide volunteer activities and keep families company on weekends.

"I am very proud of the team at Campus Serge Kampf Les Fontaines and the many volunteers who made this vital initiative possible," commented Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini Group.

Anne-Cécile Mailfert, President of the Fondation des Femmes, said: “We admire the speed with which Capgemini has reacted to provide a concrete solution to the lack of accommodation. Their commitment has helped the lives of many women. This unprecedented initiative to help shelter women in great danger is the pride of the Fondation des Femmes."

"Aware that the health crisis has made the situation of women victims of violence even more difficult, we have decided to act. In just two weeks, our teams have organized themselves to offer this “turnkey” emergency reception to 50 women and children. The mobilization of our employees in patronage and volunteering testifies to the solidarity and commitment of everyone within Capgemini France. It is in such circumstances that we hold, more than ever, our rank of responsible leader,” said Jérôme Siméon, member of the Executive Committee of the Capgemini group and Chairman of Capgemini in France. 

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