A New Chapter for the Observatory on Violence Against Women and Minors in Ngazidja: Awareness Conference at the Faculty of Science and Medicine in Moroni and Inauguration of the New Headquarters

A Renewed Commitment to the Protection of Women

The inauguration ceremony was attended by numerous local and international authorities, underscoring the importance placed on combatting gender-based violence. Representatives from the Comorian government, members of civil society, and international partners engaged in the cause were all present. The relocation of the Observatory to a more suitable and accessible space—open to both the community and institutional partners—is aimed at strengthening its central role in data collection and analysis, prevention, awareness-raising, and victim support.

In its speech, the Governorate of Ngazidja emphasized the need for unwavering, collective, and long-term commitment to tackle this scourge, reminding all that violence against women is not inevitable, but a fight to be pursued with determination. Loredana Di Martino, representative of the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, a key partner of the Observatory, reaffirmed the vital and steadfast support of decentralized international cooperation in this struggle. She highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange and collaborative work between territories.

A Conference with the Academic Youth: Raising Awareness and Mobilizing Action

On February 17, 2025, a conference on the theme “Violence Against Women and Children” was held at the Faculty of Science and Medicine at the University of the Comoros in Moroni. The event brought together a wide array of prominent figures, including representatives from the Ministry of Gender, the Minister of Education Bacar Mvoulana, Governor Ibrahim Mze Mohamed and the Governorate of Ngazidja, as well as experts, academics (professors, the dean, and the rector of the University of the Union of the Comoros), researchers, healthcare professionals, national and international NGOs, and many students.

In his opening remarks, the Governor described the recent tragic acts of violence against women in Ngazidja as unbearable and a real wake-up call for society.
The Minister of Education stated that this widespread violence against women stands as a major barrier to the development of Comorian society and undermines the very core of the human values upon which it is founded.

This gathering provided an opportunity to delve deeply into the issues surrounding gender-based violence, with a specific focus on prevention strategies and victim support. Key themes included strengthening the legal framework and establishing a comprehensive action plan to fight gender-based violence (GBV). The Minister reminded the audience that every voice raised against violence paves the way for justice and dignity.

Discussions highlighted the need for a multisectoral approach, integrating public institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities. Several speakers stressed the importance of strengthening training for healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers to better support survivors, while also developing awareness campaigns adapted to the cultural and social realities of the archipelago.

Toward Greater Mobilization and New Avenues for Action

The inauguration of the Observatory’s new headquarters and the holding of this conference mark a decisive turning point for the renewal of anti-violence initiatives in Ngazidja. The resumption of activities, following a year of slowdown, reflects the resilience of the actors working in the field and their commitment to continuing this crucial fight—for the protection, dignity, and safety of women and children, both locally and beyond.

The Ngazidja Observatory now sets itself ambitious goals: to strengthen and harmonize data collection to better understand the phenomenon, to expand awareness-raising initiatives across the territory and professional training programs, and to enhance coordination among all stakeholders. With the support of both local and international partners, the Observatory aims to become a genuine driver of change and a model for the Indian Ocean region.

This new momentum illustrates the collective capacity to overcome challenges and build a more just and equitable future for all. The fight against gender-based violence is a shared responsibility, and every step forward is a victory for humanity as a whole.