UK’s top diplomat joins Somali Minister for Women, Human Rights
and Development, Amina Hassan Ali, to launch Gaashaan project in
Mogadishu.
The launch event, hosted by journalist Ifrah Noor, includes
Somali delivery partners, Save the Children, CARE and the
International Rescue Committee.
UK funding to the Gaashaan project will support survivors of
gender-based violence, tackle child protection concerns, as well
as empower local women rights organisations to end gender-based
violence in humanitarian crises.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, the UK’s top diplomat, , joined British Ambassador to
Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis and Somali Minister for Women, Human
Rights and Development, Amina Hassan Ali, to launch the UK’s
flagship Gaashaan project, which will support survivors of
gender-based violence across Somalia.
The launch event, held on 4 March, featured a roundtable
discussion on women’s political empowerment and women’s rights in
Somalia, chaired by Chief Editor of Bilan Media, Ifrah Noor. The
event also recognised the efforts of women’s rights organisations
in addressing risks faced by women and children in Somalia.
Ifrah Noor, Chief Editor of Bilan Media, said:
Women’s participation in political spaces can only be fully
achieved if proper accommodations are made. We have to finance,
equip and train women to be influential leaders and to turn our
words into action.
Partners delivering the project, including Save the Children, the
International Rescue Committee, CARE, Save Somali Women and
Children, Somali Women and Development Centre Somali Women’s
Studies Centre, and Gargaar Relief and Development Organisation
spoke to invitees about the impact of the project, which is
already improving lives across the country.
British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis,
said:
As we prepare to mark International Women’s Day, it was fantastic
to welcome Minister Amina Hassan Ali and partners to launch our
flagship women and girls programme – Gaashaan.
The Gaashaan programme will have a tangible impact on the lives
of Somali women and girls, addressing impacts of climate shocks
and conflict by offering support to survivors of gender-based
violence.
Somali Minister, Amina Hassan Ali, said:
We are very pleased with the UK’s support in protecting Somali
women and children. On behalf of the Federal Government of
Somalia, the Ministry of Women, Human Rights and Development is
delighted to commemorate International Women’s Day with the
launch of Gaashaan project.
In December, the UK announced £15 million to establish Gaashaan
and help support survivors of gender-based violence over the next
four years.
The Gaashaan project (which in Somali means “shield”), will reach
over 117,000 people, offering improved access to specialised
protection services. It will also work to empower grassroots
communities and women’s rights organisations, to prevent
gender-based violence and other forms of violence impacting
women. The project will also help tackle child protection
concerns. All of these challenges are compounded by conflict and
climate change in Somalia.
Notes to Editors
