Stèle Sohane Benziane Plaque

Sohane Benziane’s name echoes here at this memorial plaque. It’s a quiet spot now. But twenty years ago, the horrific murder of this 17-year-old girl shook France to its core. The Stèle Sohane Benziane Plaque serves as a stark reminder of a life tragically cut short and a society forced to confront its demons. Sohane was a vibrant young woman living in the Balzac housing project in Vitry-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. She became a victim of the escalating violence against women in these marginalized communities. Her killer, Jamal Derrar, claimed authority in the neighborhood. He forbade Sohane from entering the housing project. He and an accomplice trapped her in a garbage room and set her on fire. Sohane died on the way to the hospital. This horrific act sparked outrage and protests across France. The Stèle Sohane Benziane Plaque was finally installed three years later, after much resistance from the city’s mayor. The inscription reads: “In memory of Sohane, burned alive. So that boys and girls can live better together in equality and respect.” The murder of Sohane Benziane became a catalyst for change. It brought to light the struggles faced by young women in these communities. It spurred the creation of the organization “Ni Putes Ni Soumises” (Neither Whores Nor Submissive). It continues to advocate for women’s rights and fight against gender-based violence. Today, the Stèle Sohane Benziane Plaque stands not only as a memorial to a young life lost. It also stands as a symbol of the ongoing fight for equality and respect for all women.