IWD 2026: French Embassy unveils Art X Impact Campaign to promote gender equality across Nigeria

The Embassy of France in Nigeria, on Wednesday, launched the Art X Impact Campaign as part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment across the country.

The colourful event, held at the Alliance Française, brought together representatives of Nigerian institutions, colleagues from the diplomatic corps, members of civil society, representatives from the private sector, captains of industry, cultural stakeholders, partners, and friends.

Welcoming guests in a warm multicultural tone, French Consul General Laurent Favier greeted the audience with, “Dear partners, dear friends, ladies — bonsoir, good evening,” setting the stage for an evening that blended diplomacy, art, culture, and advocacy.

According to the Embassy, the Art X Impact Campaign is a hybrid artistic celebration designed to amplify women’s rights and gender equality messages across 16 states in Nigeria.

The initiative brings together local artists, civil society organisations, and influencers to produce creative expressions including paintings, songs, sculptures, murals, and dance performances.

As part of the campaign, exhibitions showcasing resilient stories and portraits of women benefiting from empowerment initiatives will be displayed across the 10 French Alliances in Nigeria, further deepening public engagement on gender equality.

The programme builds on the success of the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC), a flagship initiative supporting economic empowerment, climate resilience, peacebuilding, and the prevention of gender-based violence.

The fund, developed in collaboration with Nigerian civil society groups and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, has supported 21 projects across 16 states, demonstrating what Embassy officials described as the impact of community-driven solutions.

Feminist Diplomacy at the Core

Delivering his address, Favier described gender equality as a central pillar of France’s foreign policy, noting that the initiative reflects the country’s broader “feminist diplomacy” approach.

“It is a great honour to stand before you tonight in the context of International Women’s Day. This global moment reminds us of our collective and shared responsibility to act for all women and girls,” he said.

He emphasised that gender equality goes beyond being a moral objective.

“Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and building good governance,” Favier stated.

Highlighting the strategic partnership between France and Nigeria, he noted that the civil society fund represents more than a development intervention.

“This is not merely a project review tonight. It is a celebration of our shared ambition between France and Nigeria. The fund is a deliberate political statement about the kind of partnership we seek — one built on trust, mutual learning, and co-construction,” he said.

Favier added that the programme was designed in response to priorities expressed directly by Nigerian civil society organisations.

“We see our role as simple accompanists, committed to supporting local leadership and expertise. The solutions must be rights-based, community-driven, and fundamentally fitted for Nigerians by Nigerians,” he explained.

Measurable Social Impact

According to him, investments in local innovation through institutional partnerships have already yielded measurable results.

“Supporting 21 projects across 16 states, we have seen incredible diversity and expertise in action. Investment in gender equality and economic empowerment is not charity — empowerment benefits all with ripple effects that start at the household level and expand to communities and markets,” he said.

He urged stakeholders across sectors to actively contribute to the progress.

“Think about how you can invest your talent, bring visibility, grant access to your networks, recruit, train, or strategise your corporate social responsibility policies. If you are uncertain where to start, the French Embassy stands ready to build bridges,” Favier added.

Drawing applause and laughter from the audience, the Consul General concluded his speech with a touch of Nigerian cultural connection by speaking in pidgin English.

“Forgive my accent — E go better o,” he said, a phrase meaning “It will be better,” prompting smiles across the hall.

Voices of Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of the programme also shared testimonies of transformation.

Achi Rebecca, who participated in the She Elevates Tech project by Hopesalive Initiative for Africa, said the training helped redefine her future.

“Today, I am working towards becoming a software engineer who creates second chances — a woman empowering other women,” she said.

Similarly, Adeleye Balikis Arike, a beneficiary of the HEAR project by HUFFPED, described the experience as life-changing.

“The training was an eye-opener. I finally understood how to manage my money and be accountable,” she noted.

Strengthening Franco-Nigerian Relations

Speaking with journalists after the event, Favier reiterated that the celebration reflected both global advocacy and bilateral cooperation.

“This event is to celebrate International Women’s Day as we do around the world. France is proud to defend human rights, and it was important to celebrate with our Nigerian partners in Lagos, Abuja, and many cities across the country,” he said.

He disclosed that the civil society fund has directly supported more than 500 beneficiaries, providing training and economic opportunities for women and girls.

“The social impact of this programme is very powerful. For every €1 invested, there is an estimated €4.3 impact. This shows how empowerment creates real economic value and long-term sustainability,” Favier explained.

On broader relations between both countries, he described the partnership as strong and expanding.

“Nigeria and France are working closely on global issues — from gender equality and climate change to security and artificial intelligence. Bilaterally, more than 100 French companies operate in Nigeria, creating about 16,000 direct jobs and many more indirect opportunities,” he said.

He added that cooperation spans sectors including energy, technology, agriculture, and agribusiness.

“We are very proud to stand in Nigeria. We have many things in common, and the future of this relationship is even broader,” Favier stated.

Celebrating Creativity and Collective Action

Officials noted that the Art X Impact Campaign aligns with continental priorities such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, while also strengthening cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connections.

By blending artistic expression with policy advocacy, the initiative seeks to position culture as a powerful vehicle for social transformation.

As the campaign continues nationwide, organisers expressed optimism that sustained partnerships between civil society, government institutions, and the private sector will accelerate progress toward gender equality.

For participants at the launch, the evening served not only as a celebration of women’s achievements but also as a renewed call for collective responsibility.

As Favier summed up, achieving gender equality requires the engagement of everyone.

“It is not only a matter of justice. It is essential for progress.”