Strengthening mechanisms for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the academic environment, discussed at a national event in Chișinău

Universities in the Republic of Moldova have taken an important step toward strengthening a safe academic environment, following the approval by the Ministry of Education and Research of a Framework on the prevention, reporting and response to cases of sexual harassment in higher education institutions. The document establishes a clear and effective mechanism for the prevention, identification, reporting and resolution of sexual harassment cases, both in physical spaces and in the online environment. 

The topic was discussed during the event “Mechanism for Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment in the University Environment: Results and Perspectives,” held on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, in Chișinău.

“On 29 April, when the international community marks Denim Day, we send a clear message to everyone: we declare zero tolerance for any form of abuse. Data show that this phenomenon exists, which is why we all must be educated to prevent abuse. Victims are often stigmatized, and therefore I believe that reporting a case of sexual violence is an act of great courage. In this spirit, we must educate the younger generation to be as aware as possible of what is happening around us, with our colleagues and our peers,” stated Adriana Cazacu, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research. 

The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, the UN Women Moldova, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, higher education institutions, and the International Center “La Strada.” 

The UN Women Moldova Country Representative, Dominika Stojanoska, highlighted the key elements of an effective mechanism: “A credible mechanism means that the rules are known to everyone; reporting channels are accessible, procedures are prompt, impartial, and victim-centered. Equally important is the prevention through training, communication, and fostering a culture of respect.” 

Reiterating the commitment to promoting a safe educational environment, the Head of Finance Section at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Stephan Stork, stated: “Sexual harassment undermines equality, dignity, and the quality of education. The European Union supports a zero-tolerance approach and is committed to ensuring that the higher education environments are safe, inclusive, and respectful for all.” 

In the same spirit, civil society organizations highlighted the collaborative nature of the process. “For us, the approved document represents the result of sustained efforts in analysis, consultations and collaborations, but above all a firm commitment to protecting the dignity, integrity, and rights of every member of the university community,” said Cristina Deliu, Program Director at the International Center “La Strada.” 

Participants discussed the experiences of the institutions involved in developing internal prevention and response mechanisms, highlighting good practices and lessons learned during the implementation of the Framework Regulation on the prevention, reporting, and response to cases of sexual harassment in the higher education institutions. 

At the same time, practical recommendations were formulated to strengthen an institutional culture based on zero tolerance for harassment and gender-based violence. 

The event was organized with the support of the Ministry of Education and Research, by UN Women Moldova, in partnership with the International Center “La Strada”, with financial support from the European Union and the Government of Denmark. 

During 2025-2026, 129 students, 123 faculty members, and auxiliary staff from five higher education institutions in the country were trained on the prevention and combating of sexual harassment and gender-based violence. 

It should be noted that in 2024, the Ministry of Education and Research launched the annual national study on academic integrity in universities in the Republic of Moldova, in order to obtain an updated overview of the perceptions and the experiences of students and faculty, including those related to sexual harassment in the academic environment.