French Embassy Moves To Foster Gender Equality

The French Embassy in Nigeria has concluded plans to support projects that promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and other initiatives aligned with its development priorities in the country.

The Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, stated this at a news conference in Abuja to unveil the Embassy’s 2025 programme aimed at supporting Civil Society Organisations, CSOs in Nigeria for the implementation of these projects.

Represented by the Embassy’s Political Advisor, Bertrand de Seissan, Ambassador Fonbaustier noted that the funding will focus on key areas such as combating gender-based violence, promoting the socio-economic integration of women, and fostering sustainable livelihoods for youths and vulnerable groups through advocacy and partnerships.

According to Fonbaustier “Beyond this program, we aim to co-construct a sustainable and inclusive landscape of opportunities for all. Nigeria is a nation with very young population, where innovation, best practices and great entrepreneurship spirit can be found everywhere. This is why we are eager to cultivate the friendship between Nigeria and France, building alliances for our mutual benefit and collective progress.”

“This approach is co-constructed and shaped by the dialogue with Nigerian counterparts. For example, for the FEF-OSC program, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has been an active partner as a member of the steering committee, delivering key insights and feedback allowing successful launch of the program.”

“Nigerian communities and civil society organizations are identifying needs in terms of enforcement of gender-protection laws and developing solutions to address challenges through support to Nigerian institutions. The FEF-OSC program aims to support and sustain this dialogue, to fast-track progress towards inclusive solutions aligning community needs and institutional response.”

Also speaking, the Embassy’s Cooperation Attaché, Mrs. Ketty Regis, explained that the support being extended to Nigeria through CSOs is intended to ensure that interventions reach targeted populations.

Mrs. Regis added that the initiative aligns with France’s feminist diplomacy, which aims to amplify local voices and promote inclusive development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji