Women refugees from Ukraine and local community members learn how to recognise different types of gender-based violence through a painting workshop

To mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence global campaign, UN Women Moldova, in cooperation with the 151 Community Center and with the financial support of the U.S. Department of State, organised an event that brought together over 25 women refugees from Ukraine as well as local community members from Moldova. Titled "Orange the World" the event focused on raising awareness on different forms of gender-based violence and addressing prevention strategies.

During the first part of the event, the women participated in an information session that addressed different forms of gender-based violence, ways to report it and assistance services available for both victims and witnesses. The session opened up a dialogue between the participants about the phenomenon of gender-based violence and its global character, stereotypes and predetermined gender roles that persist in both Moldova and Ukraine, the role of education, tolerance and trust and the need for services.

In addition to this session and dialogue, the women participated in a workshop where they painted on T-shirts, which was facilitated by Irina Brașoveanu, the founder the fashion brand Brașoveanka. During this creative process, the participants had the opportunity to socialise while also learning how to recognise different forms of violence: physical, sexual, emotional, social and economic. Through the art and colours illustrated on the T-shirts, the participants were inspired to embrace a zero tolerance stance for any form of violence and to make themselves heard, thus participating in the eradication of this phenomenon.

Violence against women and girls remains the most widespread violation of human rights worldwide. Over the past decade, statistics reflect the fact that one in three women is subjected to some form of violence. Regardless of the way it manifests, this phenomenon results in serious short-term and long-term consequences for women and girls. During war and humanitarian crises, different forms of gender-based violence increase considerably, and women and girls face a heightened risk of experiencing it.

The event was organised as part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign carried out annually in collaboration with public authorities, international organisations and civil society to reiterate the need to eradicate gender-based violence and create a world where girls and women feel safe. The campaign’s theme this year is "UNITE! Activism to eliminate violence against women and girls" and its distinctive visual element remains the orange colour, which signifies a bright and secure future for every woman and girl.