As part of the European Union-funded SHAWIRI project, the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) organised a capacity-building training in Moroni for members of the Observatoire des médias and the Conseil National de la Presse et de l’Audiovisuel (CNPA). The activity focused on strengthening methodologies for analysing social pluralism in media coverage, with particular attention to the representation of women and youth.
This initiative takes place in a national context where women and young people represent a majority of the population—approximately 49.65% and 53% respectively—yet continue to face significant barriers to participation in public and civic life. Structural challenges such as high unemployment rates, limited political representation, and persistent gender-based violence continue to affect these groups disproportionately . In this environment, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions, influencing social norms, and either reinforcing or challenging existing inequalities.
The training aimed to equip key media monitoring and regulatory actors with practical tools to assess how different social groups are portrayed in the media. Through a combination of theoretical inputs and hands-on exercises, participants were introduced to methodologies for analysing media content, with a focus on identifying biases, measuring representation, and evaluating the inclusiveness of narratives. Case studies based on local media outputs enabled participants to apply these tools in practice, strengthening their ability to critically analyse the presence and portrayal of women and youth in news coverage.
A central component of the activity was the emphasis on evidence-based analysis. Participants were trained to move beyond anecdotal observations and develop structured monitoring approaches capable of generating reliable data over time. By applying these methodologies to media content over a sustained period, the Observatoire des médias and the CNPA will be able to produce analytical reports that provide concrete insights into trends in representation. These outputs are expected to support more effective advocacy efforts aimed at promoting gender equality, enhancing the visibility and positive representation of young people, and contributing to the fight against gender-based violence .
Beyond the immediate objectives of the training, this activity contributes to broader efforts to foster an enabling environment for social participation and inclusion in the Union of the Comoros. By strengthening the capacities of media institutions, ECES supports the development of more balanced and inclusive narratives that can help shift attitudes, challenge stereotypes, and promote more equitable social norms. The activity is part of a wider strategy under the SHAWIRI project to reinforce the role of local actors—including media, civil society organisations, and public institutions—in advancing the rights and participation of women and youth.
Implemented in close collaboration with the Ministry of Gender Promotion, Solidarity and Information, as well as with the CNPA and the Observatoire des médias, this initiative reflects a coordinated approach to addressing social inequalities through media engagement. By building the technical capacities of these institutions and promoting data-driven analysis, ECES contributes to strengthening the foundations for more inclusive, accountable, and representative media ecosystems in the Union of the Comoros.
