Comoros promises continued support for reproductive health and expanded economic roles for women

Comoros seeks a social fabric where women can take their rightful place. Women’s empowerment needs to be strongly promoted, and Comoros reiterates its commitment to the swift implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action. It will continue building on its 2011 policy on preschool attendance in public schools, which has resulted in the enrolment of some 6,000 children. Stepped-up measures will extend appropriate services to women during pregnancy, delivery and after birth. Reproductive health is a priority in the national health strategy, under which maternal mortality rates fell from 381 to 170 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2007 and 2012. Comoros pledges to beef up its multi-sectoral strategy on HIV and continue actions to bring more women into key decision-making posts across national institutions. Women’s enhanced access to microcredit will bolster their key role in the national economy. Speaking at the Global Leaders' Meeting on 27 September 2015, President Ikililou Dhoinine said: “Women are [full-fledged actors] leveraging their capabilities to deliver development. Therefore, their empowerment needs to be strongly promoted.” [Speech]