Every March 20th, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) celebrates the World Day for the Promotion of the French Language. But this year, given the current health context, this day will be celebrated exceptionally on March 19, 2021 in a virtual format.
Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the OIF, wanted to mark this year’s commemorative day under the theme “Francophone Women, Resilient Women“, in honor of the Francophone women around the world that she already supports and accompanies through the Organization’s solidarity fund “La Francophonie avec Elles“.
A visual arts competition celebrating Francophone women around the world
Open from February 15 to March 15, 2021, this art contest invites anyone wishing to participate to present their artistic creation around painting, drawing, graphic design or photography. Each work must be exhibited in 240 characters and presented in digital form.
It is also a hymn to women that recalls the many challenges they face on a daily basis, such as social inequalities, difficulties in accessing certain positions, the struggle for their economic autonomy and the inequalities that affect them, which underscores their willingness and capacity for resilience in the face of these realities.
Resilience in the face of human challenges
Under the aegis of the OIF, the “Francophonie avec elles” fund is one of the major initiatives in support of women, helping them face the societal challenges they encounter every day. Indeed, this materializes through concrete measures and actions aimed at facilitating access to education and training to develop their entrepreneurial capacity. As a result, it will have a positive impact on its environment.
The International Day of La Francophonie, as every year, is dedicated to the promotion of the French language within its space. But also in communities where it is not widely spoken.
March 20, the day of celebration of this event, refers to the anniversary of the creation of the first French-speaking organization: the Agency of Cultural and Technical Cooperation, during the Conference of Niamey in 1970.
Several activities are launched around this day: visual arts competitions, writing, recitation, singing, exhibitions and cultural activities. All these activities are organized with the aim of helping people discover and promote the French language.
This year’s theme: “Francophone Women, Resilient Women” will be at the center of the activities and will have a significant impact on the awareness of women in society through debates and testimonies of committed women.
As if to mark the occasion, during the virtual closing ceremony on 19 March 2021, the Five Continents Prize will be awarded to the winner, Béata Umubyeyi Mairesse, for her novel “Tous tes enfants dispersés”.
It is in this spirit of synergy and sharing that we invite you to participate in your own way in this visual arts competition for the linguistic and cultural promotion of French with a focus on francophone women and their ability to change the world…