Djibouti Youth Volunteers Complete 18-Month Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

DJIBOUTI CITY, July 5, 2026 - The Taalo Saan Association has concluded an 18-month initiative aimed at empowering young people to fight gender-based violence and promote equality through community awareness and youth-led action. The closing ceremony of the project, titled “Youth as Agents of Change in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence,” brought together government officials, international partners, community representatives, and youth volunteers who participated in awareness campaigns across Djibouti City and inland regions. The initiative trained and mobilized young volunteers through Community Development Centers (CDCs), schools, and community spaces to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, gender equality, and the growing risks associated with cyberbullying. The ceremony was attended by Minister Delegate for Digital Economy and Innovation Safia Mohamed Ali Gadileh, President of the Taalo Saan Association Zahra Ali Cheik, European Union Ambassador to Djibouti and IGAD Denisa-Elena Ionete, representatives from the World Health Organization, local mayors, and project volunteers. The event featured a theatrical performance, a retrospective presentation of project activities, and the presentation of Youth Awards recognizing the dedication and commitment of volunteers. Certificates and distinctions were also awarded to participants for their contribution to advancing equality and combating gender-based violence. Speaking during the ceremony, Taalo Saan Association President Zahra Ali Cheik highlighted the challenges and achievements of the initiative, describing months of fieldwork, community engagement, and outreach efforts carried out by young volunteers. She expressed appreciation to the European Union for its support, as well as to government institutions, partners, and host communities involved in the project. She particularly praised the commitment of young participants, describing them as the driving force behind the campaign. European Union Ambassador Denisa-Elena Ionete highlighted the importance of placing young people at the center of social change, noting that providing youth with opportunities, resources, and platforms allows them to become active contributors to addressing major societal challenges. The Director of Youth Social Integration and Volunteering at the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Roukiya Hassan, emphasized that the project reached both urban and rural communities, raising awareness among young people, women, and community leaders on issues including female genital mutilation, domestic violence, and cyberbullying. Closing the ceremony, Minister Delegate Safia Mohamed Ali Gadileh stressed the importance of collective action in preventing violence, including forms occurring in digital spaces, and promoting a more inclusive society. She reaffirmed that violence has no place in Djibouti’s society and called for continued efforts to protect rights and strengthen equality. The completion of the Taalo Saan project marks another step in engaging youth as leaders of social transformation. Through training, awareness, and community involvement, the young volunteers have emerged as important actors in preventing gender-based violence and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion.