The EU4GenderEquality regional programme has completed its second phase, engaging nearly 3,000 people across the Republic of Moldova in initiatives promoting gender equality, violence prevention, and stereotype reduction. Over 30 months, the programme — implemented by UN Women and UNFPA with European Union funding — partnered with civil society organizations to transform social perceptions and strengthen community resilience.
In collaboration with the Motivație Association, a support network was created for 70 women and girls with disabilities across six regions, offering rights awareness and training for 284 personal assistants. Multidisciplinary teams of social workers, educators, and law enforcement professionals also improved their ability to respond to violence against persons with disabilities.
Ten Fathers’ Clubs were established in five regions, involving over 500 fathers and boys in activities promoting positive parenting and shared caregiving. Religious leaders were trained to address domestic violence within communities, with more than 80 clergy participating and reaching over 1,000 citizens through local discussions on respect and equality.
Through Institutum Virtutis Civilis, 709 young people joined interactive events and competitions promoting gender equality. Sixty‑three youth leaders and 36 professionals were trained to foster peer‑to‑peer advocacy and inclusive community engagement.
EU representatives and UN agency leaders emphasized that gender equality must be built within communities through shared responsibility and respect. The programme’s outcomes — from empowering women with disabilities to engaging fathers and youth — demonstrate how collective action can reshape social norms and prevent violence.
The closing event featured the photo exhibition “The Many Faces of Womanhood” by Ukrainian photojournalist Olga Ivashchenko, celebrating women’s resilience across the Eastern Partnership region.
