EU4GenderEquality programme concludes its second phase: Nearly 3,000 people engaged in initiatives promoting gender equality and preventing violence

Nearly 3,000 people across the Republic of Moldova have taken part over the past two and a half years in activities promoting gender equality, preventing violence, and challenging stereotypes through the second phase of the EU4GenderEquality regional programme, implemented across the Eastern Partnership countries, including the Republic of Moldova.

The programme’s impact and achievements were presented during a closing event that brought together public authorities, civil society organizations, and development partners representatives, as well as experts and programme beneficiaries.

Over the course of the 30-month implementation period, the programme partnered with four civil society organizations to implement initiatives aimed at transforming social perceptions around traditional gender roles and equality, while also working to prevent and combat gender stereotypes and gender-based violence, including violence affecting underrepresented groups.

Partnerships advancing gender equality and combating gender-based violence

In partnership with the “Motivație” Association, the programme supported the creation of a support network for 70 women and girls with disabilities from six regions of the country, providing information on their rights and where to seek help when facing discrimination or violence. The initiative also included training sessions for 284 personal assistants caring for persons with disabilities, covering topics ranging from inclusion and the rights of persons with disabilities to burnout prevention techniques. Within the same partnership, 82 members of multidisciplinary teams, including specialists from social assistance, education, law enforcement, healthcare, and local public administration, strengthened their capacities to recognize, prevent, and respond to cases of violence against persons with disabilities.

The programme also made a significant contribution to promoting active fatherhood and the equal sharing of family and caregiving responsibilities through the establishment of 10 Fathers’ Clubs operating in five regions of the country. Implemented in partnership with the Child Rights Information and Documentation Centre, the initiative engaged more than 500 fathers and boys in activities focused on positive parenting, communication, and building healthy relationships. In addition, 18 local facilitators were trained to promote positive models of masculinity and active involvement in child-rearing and education.

The programme also sought to engage religious leaders in efforts to prevent and combat domestic violence, given that the Church remains the most trusted institution among the population (65.6%) and reaches some of the country’s most remote communities. Through a project implemented in partnership with the Social Mission “Diaconia”, more than 80 religious leaders learned how they can contribute to preventing and addressing domestic violence, while 10 priests from the Metropolis of Bessarabia were trained to speak with parishioners about the importance of harmonious relationships based on mutual respect, thereby challenging stereotypes and harmful interpretations that perpetuate tolerance of abuse. These discussions engaged more than 1,000 women, men, girls, and boys across 10 localities.

The initiative also aimed to engage young people as agents of change. Through a project implemented by Institutum Virtutis Civilis, 709 young women and men participated in interactive activities, including competitions, dedicated to promoting gender equality and challenging discriminatory social norms. As part of the project, 63 young people were trained as peer-to-peer leaders, while 36 professionals, including teachers, social workers, civil society leaders, and local public authorities representatives, strengthened their capacities to engage youth in promoting relationships grounded in respect and equality.

In her remarks, Martina Spernbauer, Team Leader for Governance at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, stated: “Gender equality is not only about policies or legislation. It is built within communities, through relationships grounded in respect, participation, and shared responsibility. Through the EU4Gender Equality programme, we have seen how women with disabilities, young people, fathers, and religious leaders across Moldova have become agents of change. The European Union remains committed to supporting Moldova in building a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable society for all.” 

“These initiatives are extremely important because they deal with the elimination of gender norms and stereotypes, which are at the root causes of the persistent inequalities we see in our societies. And this programme had an innovative change-making approach, involving religious leaders, young women and men, as well as women with disabilities. At a time when we are facing a growing global backlash against gender equality, including movements such as the manosphere that reinforce harmful stereotypes and unequal power relations, it is critical to continue supporting initiatives that challenge these norms and promote equality”, mentioned Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative.

“The project strengthened Moldova’s demographic resilience by promoting healthier, more equitable family environments that support family stability and child well-being. By encouraging fathers’ active involvement in childcare and family life, it reduced the unequal burden of unpaid care work on women, supported work–family balance, and promoted respectful relationships, non-violent communication, and shared parenting responsibilities. These changes foster stronger family cohesion, improved well-being, and more inclusive communities while challenging harmful gender stereotypes around caregiving”, said Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Moldova Country Representative.

In turn, Viorica Țimbalari, Director General of the Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV), emphasized: “Changing social norms is possible when we work together: state institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and development partners. This programme’s results clearly demonstrate that preventing violence begins in the community: through the engagement of fathers and boys, through the voices of community and religious leaders, and through our ability to measure real changes in attitudes and behaviours. For ANPCV, it is essential that these results do not remain isolated examples of good practice, but are transformed into sustainable public policies and long-term impact interventions.”

The event also featured the photo exhibition “The Many Faces of Womanhood”, which was also displayed in Brussels at Mont des Arts. The works, created by Ukrainian photojournalist Olga Ivashchenko, highlight the stories of women from Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, and the Republic of Moldova who continue to rebuild their lives and support others despite the hardships caused by war, displacement, and socio-economic change.

The “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence" programme is funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA.