The British Embassy in Mogadishu has launched the Gaashaan project, a £15 million initiative aimed at supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia, especially those affected by El Niño. Announced during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Gaashaan, which means “shield” in Somali, is set to benefit over 117,000 individuals.
Damon Bristow, Development Director at the British Embassy Mogadishu, underscored the significance of this initiative, highlighting the UK’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and empowering Somali women and girls. The project, focusing on both immediate and long-term solutions, will provide specialized protection services and work towards empowering communities to prevent violence against women and children.
Gaashaan will be implemented over five years by a consortium of six partners led by Save the Children. This coalition includes the International Rescue Committee, CARE International, and four national NGOs – Save Somali Women and Children, Somali Women and Development Centre, Somali Women’s Studies Centre, and Gargaar Relief and Development Organisation.
In its first six months, the project will primarily address the impacts of El Niño, aiming to assist around 5,000 women and children directly impacted by severe flooding in Somalia. The initiative builds on the UK’s ongoing efforts in the region, including a previous £3 million project through the Humanitarian and Resilience Building in Somalia program in collaboration with UNFPA, which reached 34,000 women and girls.
Khadra Jama, Director of the Gaashaan Consortium, expressed gratitude for the UK’s timely support, noting the compounded challenges Somali women and children face due to security issues and the impacts of climate change. Jama highlighted the critical nature of this assistance, especially for those most affected during humanitarian crises like El Niño.
