Moroni, October 2, 2025 — The inaugural meeting of the Shawiri Project Steering Committee was held at the Retaj Hotel, co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Head of the European Union Delegation Office.
The session provided an opportunity to present the results achieved during the first 18 months of implementation and to gather insights and recommendations from participants. Discussions highlighted the project’s relevance and emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among technical and financial partners across its various areas of intervention.
Among the project’s key achievements are the strengthening of listening and support services, the training of actors within the criminal justice chain, and the completion of the country’s first study on access to employment for young people with disabilities. A total of 509 cases of gender-based violence were addressed in the first year, with an additional 216 in the first semester of the second year—84% of which received comprehensive support.
In terms of outreach and awareness-raising, the project conducted several campaigns and launched the Saminya Bounou Prize, recognizing journalism that is sensitive to gender issues. Noteworthy efforts also include the training of 90 civil society organizations in project cycle management, as well as leadership training for women from civil society and political spheres.
Implemented in the Union of the Comoros by a consortium led by ECES, together with the French Red Cross/Comorian Red Crescent Movement, MAEECHA, and EarthEcho Communications, the Shawiri Project aims to strengthen social protection and enhance the participation of women, youth, and civil society across the Comoros.
7 October 2025