16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2025

Friday, December 5, 2025 – Alliance Française de Port Harcourt

As part of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, the Alliance Française de Port Harcourt organized the event Digital Safety Esports: Game Over Gender-Based Violence Video Games Competition on Friday, December 5, 2025, with the support of the Embassy of France in Nigeria.

This initiative, jointly led by the Alliance Française de Port Harcourt and the Females in Gaming Network (FIGN), in partnership with Nexal Gaming, aimed to raise awareness among young people about digital violence against women and girls, using video games and e-sports as educational and inclusive tools. The event created a safe space that promoted respect, diversity, and gender equality.

The event brought together approximately 100 young people, girls and boys. Among them, 78 participants took part in the video game competition, including 48 secondary school students from Oginigba, Excellent High School, Virgo Praedicanda, and Vine International, and 30 university students from Port Harcourt. Female-only and mixed e-sports competitions were organized around the games EAFC 25, Scrabble Online, Mario Kart, and Just Dance, encouraging cooperation and highlighting the skills of female participants.

A roundtable discussion entitled “Can Video Games Be Safe for Girls?” complemented the program, opening a space for dialogue on the realities of digital violence and responsible gaming practices.

The initiative helped raise awareness among young people about digital safety, supported the launch of the Females in Gaming Network (FIGN) as a local and African network of women gamers supported by mentors, and strengthened the visibility and digital confidence of women in gaming. It also contributed to reducing gender stereotypes in digital environments.

Through this initiative, the Alliance Française de Port Harcourt reaffirms its commitment to combating gender-based violence, promoting digital safety, and empowering young people, particularly women and girls.