Femen: The Naked War

Femen: The Naked War

Sextremist, as Femen calls itself, could be the shortest description of the topless protest group. Soon after gaining considerable media coverage after initially being founded on 2008 in Ukraine against prostitution and sex tourism, Femen claimed to broaden their fight against “patriarchy, dictatorship, religion and sex industry”. After increasing threats following chainsawing a 13 feet high christian cross in central Kiev in August 2012, Inna Shevchenko, born 1990 a journalism graduate from Kiev University and a key member of the movement, fled to France to seek political asylum and founded Femen international in a squatted theater in Goutte d’Or a mainly African muslim neighborhood in Paris. Since then Femen continues to train activists, promote the movement worldwide (they have opened ten new branches in countries across the world) and organize protests.

by contributor Leo Novel

Sextremist, as Femen calls itself, could be the shortest description of the topless protest group. Soon after gaining considerable media coverage after initially being founded on 2008 in Ukraine against prostitution and sex tourism, Femen claimed to broaden their fight against “patriarchy, dictatorship, religion and sex industry”. After increasing threats following chainsawing a 13 feet high christian cross in central Kiev in August 2012, Inna Shevchenko, born 1990 a journalism graduate from Kiev University and a key member of the movement, fled to France to seek political asylum and founded Femen international in a squatted theater in Goutte d’Or a mainly African muslim neighborhood in Paris. Since then Femen continues to train activists, promote the movement worldwide (they have opened ten new branches in countries across the world) and organize protests.

Inna Shevchenko, 23, the leader of women rights activist group Femen, attends a rally near Tunisian embassy in Paris to protest the jailing of three Femen members in Tunisia. Event was organized by major french feminist groups. Meriam, a Tunisian member of Femen attaches hair hair to remove the slogans painted on her body, in Lavoir Moderne Parisien in Paris. Femen uses Lavoir Moderne Parisien as their Paris headquarters for training and group meetings. Femen members, helping each other to erase the slogans painted on their bodies. Inna Shevchenko, after a protest in Parisian subway Inna Shevchenko, during a protest at the entry of ElysÈe the french presidential palace. The protest happened 3 days before french president FranÁois Hollande's trip to Tunisia where 3 Femen members were being held in prison. Marguerite Stern, a Femen member in police car after a protest in Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. The day before an extremist catholic author had committed suicide at the same place to show the discontent over legislation of french gay marriage law. Inna Shevchenko, during a protest at the entry of ElysÈe the french presidential palace. The protest happened 3 days before french president FranÁois Hollande's trip to Tunisia where 3 Femen members were being held in prison. Marguerite Stern, a Femen member being arrested after a topless protest in front of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. The day before an extremist catholic author had committed suicide at the same place to show the discontent over legislation of french gay marriage law. Pauline Hillier, being arrested after a protest at the entry of ElysÈe the french presidential palace. The protest happened 3 days before french president FranÁois Hollande's trip to Tunisia where 3 Femen members were being held in prison. Sarah Constantin, arrested after attacking french far right groups' rally at the Jean of Arc day in Paris. Femen has been constantly threatened by french ultra nationalist groups. Marguerite Stern ans Pauline Hillier in a police van after a topless protest. Laure P. a Femen member during the trainings. Femen holds weekly trainings in Lavoir Moderne Parisien. Girls split in two groups taking role of security forces and actual Femen protesters. Marguerite writes slogans on Pauline's body. As a part of training, girls practice yelling slogans. Police versus activist training. Charlotte walk on other girls' bellies during a training. Inna poses for a portrait. Inna shows show her middle fingers while the window is being covered by other girls to avoid police watching them from the surrounding buildings. Police had locked up Femen in their headquarters during 6 hours on July 14th. french national day in order to prevent them protesting during official Bastille day ceremonies. Charlotte poses for a portrait in Parisian subway and the way back from a protest. Inna speaks with Alia Al-Mahdy a prominent Egyptian women right activist. Alia is exiled to Sweden. After a rally demanding the freedom of Femen members held in jail in Tunisia. From left, Sarah, Inna and Elvire. Sofia S. waits while other negotiate for access to food and water during a lock up on Bastille day. A man kisses Inna's hand during the first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France. The first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France. Elvire and Sacha Shevchenko carry the cake. Femen member answer guests' questions, during the first anniversary of Femen open ing their headquarters in France. Inna poses for a photo after her press conference in Visa Festival in Perpignan. Inna poses with a fan during an Elle Magazine reception during Visa festival in Perpignan, France. The first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France. Inna dances with guests. The first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France. Inna counts down to blow the candles. The first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France. Caroline drinks champagne. Following a fire in Femen headquarters, Inna poses with a burnt shirt. The first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France. Inna dances with guests. A man kisses Inna's hand during the first anniversary of Femen opening their headquarters in France.