Alliance Française Trains Rivers Pupils on Gender Equality

Alliance Française, a non-profit institute, has educated 83 pupils from six schools in Port Harcourt on gender equality, empowerment, and self-development. The initiative was part of a week-long exhibition titled Badass, held at the institute’s facility from March 8 to 15, 2025, in commemoration of International Women’s Rights Day.

The Director of Alliance Française in Port Harcourt, Mrs. Marina Lacal, explained that the exhibition aimed to challenge gender stereotypes and promote female representation in popular culture. She noted that mainstream media often focuses on male characters, and the Badass exhibition sought to highlight modern heroines who defy societal expectations.

“As part of the 2025 International Women’s Rights Day theme—‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment’—we showcased Badass: 10 Modern Heroines, a project inspired by the Héro(ïne)s initiative of the Lyon BD Festival in France,” Lacal stated. “These heroines are bold, independent, and determined to shape their own destinies. Their stories inspire younger generations and encourage them to rethink traditional gender roles.”

She further emphasized that the exhibition was designed to engage young audiences critically and foster discussions on gender equality, representation, and women’s rights. Throughout the week, participating pupils took guided tours, exploring the evolution of female characters in comic books and their impact on societal narratives.

Beyond the exhibition, Alliance Française incorporates language and cultural education into its outreach programs. Lacal noted that pupils were introduced to basic French vocabulary during the event in a fun and engaging manner. “It wasn’t a formal class, but they were still learning,” she added.

The institute also collaborates with schools, offering curriculum support and advocating for the inclusion of French language studies. “We visit schools, provide guidance, and invite students to our premises to enhance their learning experience,” Lacal said.

At the end of the tour, pupils participated in an interactive session where they designed their own superheroines and chose French adjectives to describe them. Their artwork was displayed on an exhibition board, extending the conversation beyond the event.

This initiative reflects Alliance Française’s commitment to fostering gender equality, empowering young minds, and bridging language and cultural gaps in Nigeria.