From Mohéli to a national movement: Women shaping Comoros’ blue future

What began with seven women in Mohéli has grown into a national movement to strengthen women’s and young people’s voices in ocean governance, climate action and the blue economy. Across Comoros, these influencers are connecting communities, shaping decisions and turning local knowledge into collective action for a more inclusive and sustainable blue future. Written by Audrey Masitsa

Step into the conference room and the excitement is unmistakable. Women of different ages are gathered, eagerly awaiting the start of a week that will introduce them to the ReSea Project through in-depth discussions, communications training and hands-on fieldwork. None of them yet knows that their journey will soon attract national recognition.

“The sound of the sea lulls me to sleep at night and wakes me in the morning. For me, it is first and foremost about being close to the sea,” says Djahia, explaining why she wanted to become a ReSea woman influencer. “In Mohéli, we do not talk about the ocean as something far away; it is an integral part of our daily lives. I wanted to better understand the issues threatening it and, above all, to share what I see and hear around me.”

Finding their voice in Mohéli

In early 2025, the ReSea Project selected five young women influencers and two volunteers from communities across the Mohéli seascape in Comoros. The initiative aimed to spark conversations about inclusive ocean governance, gender-responsive climate adaptation and equitable access to nature-positive blue-economy opportunities for women and young people.

After the week-long training, the women set out across Mohéli, engaging community groups and raising awareness about the ocean on which island life depends. But this was no ordinary awareness campaign. They were determined to bring women’s voices, knowledge and meaningful participation to the fore and thus, secure women a seat at the table and ensure that their experiences shape decisions on marine resource management and climate adaptation.

The influencers, recruited through the ReSea Project, sought to engage community groups and raising awareness about the ocean on which island life depends. (Photo Credit: Audrey Masitsa for ReSea Project)

“Ensuring that women’s voices are heard is my primary motivation for advocating for the participation of women and young people in decisions about the environment and natural resources,” explains Anlianti.

“Women play an important role in fisheries-related activities, particularly in processing and marketing fishery products,” adds Raissa. “It is therefore essential that their experiences and perspectives are reflected in decisions about the sustainable management of marine resources and the development of coastal communities.”

Their work did not stop at community engagement. The influencers also turned to digital communications to reach wider audiences and draw more stakeholders into the conversation. Instead of posting separately on their personal social media accounts, they created a shared page and spoke with a collective voice, making that voice stronger still.

“I have noticed a gradual rise in community awareness of the importance of protecting our environment and marine resources,” says Djoumbe, reflecting on the changes she has seen since the influencers began their work. “Women and young people are becoming more interested in environmental issues and increasingly understand that they, too, can help protect their communities.”

From local initiative to national network

The initiative’s success soon drew national attention. In August 2025, Mr Abubacar Ben Mahmoud, Minister of Environment in charge of Tourism, encouraged the women to expand their network beyond Mohéli and build a national platform.

That vision became reality in May 2026 with the official launch of the National Women Influencers Network in Comoros, supported by the ReSea Project.

In August 2025, Mr Abubacar Ben Mahmoud, Minister of Environment in charge of Tourism, encouraged the women to expand their network beyond Mohéli and build a national platform. (Photo Credit: National Women Influencers Network of Comoros)

The launch marked a turning point: a local initiative had become a national network able to connect women and young people across the three islands and amplify their voices in climate action, environmental protection and the regenerative blue economy.

“I hope the National Women Influencers Network will help strengthen the voices of women and young people in Comorian communities,” says Djoumbe.

Anlianti adds, “My wish is to see women and young leaders emerge who can carry their communities’ perspectives to decision-makers and partners, helping to build a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable blue future for Comoros.”

“For me, one of the most important changes is that women and young people no longer see themselves only as people affected by environmental challenges, but increasingly as people who can propose solutions and actively drive change,” says Raissa.

Connecting women and young people across the islands

The newly formed National Women Influencers Network of Comoros during their national mission which they undertook across the Comoros islands. (Photo Credit: Loubna Hamidi)

To strengthen the network and forge new partnerships, the women influencers embarked on a national mission from 24 August to 1 September 2026, travelling from Grande Comore to Anjouan.

Along the way, the network met a wide range of stakeholders: government institutions and ministers, donors and development partners, universities, private-sector representatives, local organisations, ongoing projects, and women’s and youth groups.

The mission reached and engaged more than 250 people, over 70% of them women and young people. Many expressed a strong interest in joining the network and helping to develop gender-inclusive climate and environmental initiatives.

Each conversation is helping to build a growing community of women and young leaders ready to turn awareness into action, and to ensure that their perspectives are reflected in the decisions shaping Comoros’ blue future.

The women influencers took part in a national mission from Grande Comore to Anjouan aimed at strengthening the network and forging new partnerships. (Photo Credit: National Women Influencers Network of Comoros)

“I have observed positive changes in how women and young people see their role in environmental protection and community development,” says Raissa, reflecting on the influence of the women’s work. “They are now more aware of the importance of marine ecosystems, particularly seagrass meadows, mangroves and coral reefs, and of the effects of climate change on coastal communities.”

“Women, in particular, are increasingly recognised for their contribution to processing and adding value to fishery products, as well as for raising awareness in their communities,” she adds. “I have also noticed that young people are taking a greater interest in environmental issues and using digital tools and social media to raise awareness among their peers and within their communities.”

Broadening the vision in Anjouan

The influencers hope that the national network will be one that keeps ideas and experiences moving across the three islands of Comoros. (Photo Credit: National Women Influencers Network of Comoros)

In Anjouan, the initiative received strong encouragement from Dr Zaidou Youssouf, Governor of Anjouan, who welcomed the network’s establishment and expansion and expressed the full support of the Government of Anjouan.

He also encouraged the network to look beyond environmental and climate concerns and address the broader challenges facing women and girls.

In particular, he highlighted women’s health and education, as well as efforts to prevent early marriage, as important areas for the network’s engagement.

This wider vision reflects a principle at the network’s heart: environmental action alone cannot deliver sustainable development. Empowering women and girls requires an integrated approach that connects healthy communities, education and gender equality with climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

“I sincerely hope this will not simply be a network of women who know one another, but one that keeps ideas and experiences moving across the three islands,” says Djahia. “An initiative that works in Mohéli might inspire a woman in Anjouan, and vice versa. I would also like us to move from words to action: to receive support, gain access to opportunities and see some of our ideas become concrete projects. That is how I see our contribution to the blue future of our beautiful islands.”