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[thxnews]

Gaashaan Unveiled: UK's £15M African Shield

  Unveiling Gaashaan: A Shield Against Gender-Based Violence

In a pivotal move to address gender-based violence, the British Embassy in Mogadishu recently announced the initiation of the Gaashaan project. Valued at £15 million, this project, named after the Somali word for "shield," will extend vital support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia, particularly those affected by the El Niño climate phenomenon.   Comprehensive Support for Impacted Communities The Gaashaan project aims to reach a significant demographic, benefiting over 117,000 people. This ambitious endeavor will enhance access to specialized protection services for communities grappling with the aftermath of El Niño. Beyond immediate assistance, the project adopts a proactive stance, engaging communities to prevent sexual and gender-based violence, as well as other forms of violence impacting women and children. Moreover, it addresses child protection concerns, which are further exacerbated by the intersecting challenges of conflict and climate change.  

Damon Bristow Emphasizes UK's Commitment

Development Director at the British Embassy Mogadishu, Damon Bristow, expressed the significance of the Gaashaan project during its launch. He highlighted its role in addressing gender-based violence and reiterated the UK's steadfast commitment to supporting Somali women and girls in reaching their full potential. Bristow emphasized, "This is another important milestone to address gender-based violence and the harm it causes. It also shows the UK’s continued commitment to support Somali women and girls so they can reach their full potential."   Initial Focus on El Niño Impacts The Gaashaan project will dedicate the first six months to actively responding to the immediate impacts of El Niño. Its goal is to directly reach around 5,000 women and children severely affected by the devastating floods in Somalia. This rapid response aligns with the project's overarching goal of providing timely and targeted support to those in critical need.  

Gaashaan Consortium: A Collaborative Approach

Over the next five years, the Gaashaan project will be executed by a consortium of six partners, led by Save the Children. This collaborative effort includes organizations such as the International Rescue Committee, CARE International, and four National NGOs: Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC), Somali Women and Development Centre (SWDC), Somali Women’s Studies Centre (SWSC), and Gargaar Relief and Development Organisation (GREDO). The diverse expertise of this consortium enhances the project's capacity to address multifaceted challenges.   Khadra Jama Acknowledges the Critical Need for Support Khadra Jama, Director of the Gaashaan Consortium, acknowledged the myriad challenges faced by Somali women and children, exacerbated by both prolonged security issues and the impact of climate change. She expressed gratitude to the British Embassy for providing crucial and timely support to vulnerable groups during a period of mass displacement due to flooding. Jama stated, "We are grateful to the British Embassy for providing Somali women and children, along with other vulnerable groups, with much-needed and timely support. Women and children are the ones who suffer the most during humanitarian crises like El Niño and this assistance will give them immediate protection and support."   Sources: THX News & British Embassy Mogadishu. Read the full article