UN reaffirms commitment to protecting the rights of women with disabilities in Moldova amidst alarming new data

Women and girls with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova continue to face multiple forms of discrimination and violence, with limited access to necessary support services. These conclusions are highlighted in the study "Women with disabilities in Moldova: victims invisible to the law and society ”, carried out by the Association of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities of Moldova – “Abilities Europeans Without Limits”.

The data of the study, previously presented in other formats were discussed during the expanded meeting of the United Nations (UN) Disability Inclusion Taskforce and the Gender Thematic Groups. The event brought together representatives of UN agencies, the Ministry of Labor and Protection Social, National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Violence in the Family, others institutions public, as well as, organizations of persons with disabilities.

At the beginning of the event, Bea Ferenci, Head of UN Human Rights Moldova highlighted the importance of respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of persons with disabilities noting "Being in the 15th year of implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we recognize the progress achieved by the country in the field of inclusion of persons with disabilities - improved access to quality inclusive education, access to the labor market, the expanded network of social services and support for persons with disabilities, and the list goes on. At the same time, we are aware that persons with disabilities, especially women and girls, are still at an increased risk of discrimination, neglect, abuse and violence and an intersectoral approach is needed in their assistance."

Conducted among 2,700 women and girls with disabilities, the study revealed alarming data:

• 59.3% of respondents were victims of physical violence
• 25.9% of participants reported sexual abuse
• 92.6% of study participants were subjected to psychological or emotional violence
• 55.6% of respondents were victims of economic violence
• 74.1% of women and girls surveyed reported suffering physical injuries or health problems as a result of episodes of violence.

According to the report, the lack of access to justice and adapted health services, physical barriers and discriminatory attitudes contribute to the worsening of their health status and the perpetuation of violence.

“The figures in this study are not just statistics – they are painful realities experienced by thousands of women and girls who often remain unseen and unheard. It is our shared responsibility to contribute to creating solutions that ensure women with disabilities who have experienced some form of violence have equal access to protection, justice and adapted services. An intersectional approach, which considers the overlaps between gender, disability and other vulnerabilities, is essential for achieving national strategic commitments on equality and inclusion,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Country Representative.

The event served as a platform for the exchange of views and the formulation of concrete solutions aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and girls with disabilities, in line with current national strategic commitments, such as:

• Mapping available services and assessing their accessibility for women with disabilities.
• Strengthening the capacities of multidisciplinary teams to identify signs of abuse and intervene promptly.
• Intensifying awareness and information efforts, including by adapting materials for persons with sensory and intellectual disabilities and capitalizing on partnerships with the public and private sectors.
• Promoting a change in mentality, so that this is no longer perceived as a private matter, but a matter of public interest.

The identified solutions will be further capitalized on in the strategic plans of line ministries and in the programs of UN agencies.

If you are experiencing violence, you can seek help by calling the Women and Girls Helpline at 0 8008 8008 or 112 in emergencies. If you know someone who is being abused, do not remain indifferent, report it to the authorities immediately.