In early March, we supported activities in the Union of the Comoros to mark International Women’s Day 2026, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and Gender and within the framework of the EU-funded SHAWIRI project. The activities were organised as part of a wider effort under the project to support national and international awareness-raising initiatives related to women’s and youth rights.
ECES contributed to the Ministry’s official programme by supporting the organisation of a televised debate bringing together speakers to discuss issues related to women’s rights, participation and protection. The event provided a platform for dialogue and public engagement while amplifying national discussions on gender equality and the role of women in shaping the country’s social and political future.
Communication and awareness-raising materials developed with our support were also distributed during the celebration to promote broader understanding of the project’s objectives and to highlight the importance of strengthening participation mechanisms for women and youth. Through these outreach efforts, the initiative contributed to informing citizens and stakeholders about ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and inclusive civic engagement in the Comoros.
In the Comorian context, women and young people represent a significant share of the population but continue to face structural barriers to full participation in public life. Limited political representation of women, high youth unemployment and persistent gender-based violence remain major challenges that affect both civic engagement and access to opportunities. Our activities in the country address these issues by supporting institutional actors, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to foster a more enabling environment for social protection and to improve the conditions for women and young people across the archipelago.
We remain committed to supporting these efforts through our collaboration with national authorities and civil society actors, contributing to the development of a more inclusive and participatory environment in the Union of the Comoros, where women, youth and their organisations can play an active role in shaping the country’s social and civic development.
