Highlights
In the Republic of Moldova, domestic and gender-based violence reaches alarming levels. In 2024 alone, almost one thousand persons officially reported being victims of domestic violence, more than 70% of whom were women, according to the National Bureau of Statistics citing data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Moreover, an OSCE study shows that two in five women (40%) have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15.
Despite significant improvements to the legislative framework in recent years, barriers such as limited access to justice, financial dependence on perpetrators, stigma, and fear of revictimization continue to prevent many victims from seeking help. This is further compounded by the fact that 60% of lawyers providing free legal aid are concentrated in Chișinău, while across the entire country there are only 21 lawyers specialized in supporting victims of crimes.
Major Ludmila Saulova, a Moldovan peacekeeper, served with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). She recently spoke to UN Women about her experiences from the field, and the importance of women peacekeepers.
This International Day of Women in Diplomacy, we share the reflections of H.E. Katarina Fried, Sweden's Ambassador to Moldova between 2022 and 2025. As a strategic partner to UN Women, Sweden plays an instrumental role in advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Moldova. A true gender equality advocate, H.E. Fried has been a key advocate and driving force behind these efforts. As H.E. Fried is leaving Moldova in June 2025, we dedicate this day to her.
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