Simplifying access for victims

The Niyumachuwa branch was recently inaugurated by the Listening Service on the island of Mwali. This facility represents the expansion of its initiatives to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in this area located in the south of the island.

Several dignitaries attended the opening ceremony held at the Niyumachuwa community center. Among them were the Secretary General of the Ministry of Gender Promotion, the representative of the island’s governor, leaders from UNICEF and the Listening Service, notable figures, and many young people. All participants emphasized the importance of this new space in an area where assaults against women and children are widespread.

This new building, located near the Niyumachuwa health district, aims to simplify victims’ access. In particular, young people and minors will have access to a facility capable of handling cases of violence with complete confidentiality. Many residents face difficulties traveling to Fomboni to report a violation, mainly due to the high cost of the journey.

The inauguration of this annex results from a partnership between the Ministry of Gender Promotion, the Regional Health Directorate, and the Koica agency, which is the main funder of listening services in the Comoros. Established in Mwali in 2006, the Listening Service’s primary task is to raise community awareness of the risks of violence against children and women, encourage reporting, and provide support to victims.