Doina Gherman: I am proud that the Republic of Moldova has become the thirty fifth state in the world, which found the courage and sided with all victims of domestic violence

On October 14th 2021, the Republic of Moldova has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (the Istanbul Convention) – one of the most important documents condemning gender-based violence and violence against girls and women. Thus, Moldova made an important step towards ensuring a life free of violence for people facing this phenomenon and creating an efficient legal environment for punishing perpetrators. This was possible inclusively due to Doina Gherman’s involvment, who is an MP in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova and the president of the Parliamentary Commission on Foreign Policy and European Integration.

In 2017, after signing the convention, being guided by alarming statistical data on the phenomenon of domestic violence in the Republic of Moldova, Doina Gherman, who is also a graduate of the ”Women in Politics” program implemented with the support of UN Women, started urging the Government to ratify the document. After a long period of discussions with the members of the Government, the convention was ratified, thus contributing to the advancement of gender equality and the prevention of violence against women and girls.

„Unfortunately, in our country, family is still based on fights, fists and abuse. Violence against women is a crime, a grave violation of human rights. This year, we, as a Parliament, managed to officially elevate violence against women to the rank of human rights violation, by ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence. I am proud of our country, I am proud that the Republic of Moldova has become the thirty fifth state in the world, which found the courage and sided with all victims of domestic violence. All of us, as a society, must unite, showing solidarity against this scourge, which, unfortunately, dominates the whole country.”, she mentioned.

However, combating violence against girls and women is a process that needs much engagement. Doina confirmed this fact by expressing her willingness to see more political actors engaged in combating this phenomenon.

“For all state institutions, which, besides accountability raising, have to implement, to come up with concrete actions in this regard. And we, as lawmakers, must have clear commitments in our society. We will find here in the Parliament that political will needed for the implementation of all provisions of the Convention.”, said Doina Gherman within „16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign closing event, which took place on December 10th, on Human Rights Day.

Thereby, according to a Mid-Term Evaluation Report of the Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence National Strategy, untill 2023 more concrete actions will be taken, including:

- Developing short-term and long-term specialised services in line with international standards;
-   Preparing shelters for crisis situations, including COVID-19, as well as providing necessary resources;
-   Facilitating women’s access to specialised services;
-   Developing specialised services  for victims of sexual violence;

Moreover, activities on information and education of population will be conducted.

At this point, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence is the most comprehensive document containing prevention policies and offering support to victims of violence against women and domestic violence, including children, men and elderly people. This international document recognises violence against women as a violation of human rights, and gender-based discrimination. It is widely supported by UN Women Moldova, which supports and promotes the implementation of a legal framework protecting victims of violence.