The Comorian government, in collaboration with EarthEcho Communications and the National Human Rights and Freedoms Commission (Cndhl), has taken a significant step in its fight against gender-based violence (GBV). On September 21, an workshop was held to enhance the communication skills of national listening devices and improve the capacities of actors involved in GBV prevention and care. The project, known as Shawiri, aims to provide tools and messages to communities and actors working directly with populations.
The workshop focused on improving the use of communication and awareness-raising tools adapted to community realities. One of the primary objectives was to disseminate communication tools developed by EarthEcho Communications, including an operational guide for GBV awareness-raising. This guide is designed to support various stakeholders in their field actions. Other tools were also presented for listening services, mothers' clubs, community leaders, and all actors involved in GBV prevention and care.
Mouznat Djae Mdahoma, a counselor at the Ministry of Gender Promotion, represented the ministry at the workshop. She recalled that this initiative is part of a broader approach already implemented on other islands. According to her, GBV is not only a serious human rights violation but also an obstacle to sustainable socio-economic development and social inclusion. Therefore, prevention and care for GBV remain priorities that require the involvement of all concerned actors.
The new tools and training are designed to strengthen the capacities of actors and improve their interventions. Mdahoma emphasized that these tools will enable more structured, effective, and culturally adapted awareness-raising actions. She highlighted the importance of an inclusive and national approach to combat GBV.
Maître Aticki Ismael Youssouf, representing the Cndhl, stressed the significance of this initiative, particularly for young people and communities. He emphasized that providing tools to understand the fight against GBV and promoting human rights is essential. According to him, human rights are not just declared but lived, taught, and transmitted.
Youssouf highlighted that young people who understand the stakes related to security and rights are more capable of defending their own rights and those of others. He also emphasized the importance of women's access to awareness-raising and protection tools, as well as the role of communities in preventing violence.
The initiative aims to promote and protect human rights by giving young people and communities the tools to understand and act. By strengthening citizenship and population protection, the project Shawiri and its partners demonstrate their commitment to fighting GBV in Comoros.
Key points
- The Comorian government launches a national initiative to combat gender-based violence with new tools and training for prevention and care actors.
- The initiative aims to improve the capacities of actors involved in GBV prevention and care through better use of communication and awareness-raising tools.
- The project seeks to promote and protect human rights by providing young people and communities with tools to understand and act against GBV.
