In continued commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, the Embassy of France in Nigeria has launched the Art X Impact Campaign, a hybrid cultural initiative designed to strengthen advocacy for women’s rights and promote gender equality across several Nigerian states.
The initiative was unveiled at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos, bringing together stakeholders including representatives of Nigerian institutions, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society organisations, private sector leaders, cultural practitioners, and development partners.
Opening the event, the Consul General of France in Lagos, Laurent Favier, explained that the campaign was developed through collaboration between local artists, civil society organisations and digital influencers to deploy creative expression as a tool for social awareness.
According to him, the initiative will use paintings, music, sculptures, murals and dance to spotlight issues surrounding gender equality while celebrating the resilience and leadership of women within Nigerian communities.
As part of the programme, exhibitions documenting the stories and portraits of women involved in empowerment projects will be hosted across the network of French Alliances in Nigeria, ensuring sustained visibility for the advocacy effort.
Favier noted that the campaign builds on the achievements of the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisations (FEF-OSC), a flagship programme supporting women’s economic empowerment, climate resilience, peacebuilding and the prevention of gender-based violence.
Implemented in partnership with Nigerian civil society organisations and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the fund has supported 21 projects across 16 states, reflecting what officials described as the effectiveness of community-driven solutions.
Describing the initiative as an embodiment of France’s feminist diplomacy agenda, Favier stressed that gender equality remains essential for sustainable development and inclusive governance.
“Gender equality is more than a goal in itself.
It is a precondition for reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance,” he said.
He further described the civil society fund as a practical expression of Franco-Nigerian partnership rooted in trust, collaboration and mutual learning.
“This fund is a deliberate expression of the kind of partnership France seeks to build with Nigeria, one grounded in trust, mutual learning and co-construction.
The initiative was designed as a direct response to priorities expressed by Nigerian civil society organisations themselves,” he added.
Favier encouraged stakeholders across the public, private and civic sectors to support women’s empowerment initiatives through mentorship, partnerships, training and access to professional networks.
The event also featured testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives have been impacted by the programme.
A participant in the She Elevates Tech project implemented by Hopesalive Initiative for Africa, Achi Rebecca said the training programme had transformed her aspirations.
“Today, I am working towards becoming a software engineer who creates second chances – a woman empowering other women,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Adeleye Balikis Arike, who participated in the HEAR Project implemented by Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED), described the intervention as life-changing.
“It was truly an eye-opener. I learned how to manage my finances and become accountable,” she said.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, commended HUFFPED and its partners, particularly the French Embassy Fund, for their commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable communities.
Represented by Mrs Odukoya, Director of Child Development in the ministry, Ogunlende said initiatives such as the HEAR Project strengthen household stability, promote financial inclusion and enhance the economic independence of women and adolescent girls.
He added that such interventions align with the development agenda of the Lagos State Government, which remains committed to partnerships that improve the welfare and livelihood of residents.
The commissioner also expressed appreciation to the French Embassy Fund and its partners for sustaining empowerment programmes despite prevailing global economic challenges, reaffirming the state government’s readiness to collaborate with organisations promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment and sustainable development.
Written by Yemisi Dada