France Commits To Promote Gender Equality, Women Empowerment

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

The Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, stated this at a news conference in Abuja explaining that the program in collaboration with the ministry of women affairs has generated returns by supporting Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria for implementation of the Embassy’s 2025 projects.

Ambassador Fonbaustier stressed that funding from France focuses on key areas such as combating gender-based violence, promoting the socio-economic integration of women, as well as fostering sustainable livelihoods for youth and vulnerable groups through advocacy and partnerships.

He also explained that the support being extended to Nigeria through indigenous partners is intended to ensure that interventions reach targeted populations.

He said an independent evaluation shows that for every 1 Naira invested, the programme created 4 Naira, 30 Kobo in value for women, their families, and local communities.

“The FEF-OSC is not an imported model but a tailored one. It is a shared ambition built on trust and mutual learning. This investment in capacity is one of the most powerful legacies, skills stay, grow, and multiply long after the funding ends.”

He stressed further that “the programme’s strength was its deep local integration. Partner CSOs secured over 540 formal partnerships with government ministries, the private sector, and traditional rulers, ensuring projects are sustained.”

While explaining the results of the project, he said “the real impact is in stories like that of Judith Michael, a mother of three from a Benue IDP camp. Through the programme, she acquired fashion and design skills, putting her on a path to economic independence and dignity.”

Imperative to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Ambassador Fonbaustier said the results testify to the strength of Nigerian civil society and the growing Franco-Nigerian friendship. In his words, quoting a project documentary, the future looks bright: “E go better.”

Ambassador Fonbaustier added that the initiative also 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