"There is no excuse for violence" is the motto of the 22 edition of the national campaign" 16 Days of activism against gender-based violence", launched today in Chisinau. The campaign runs from November 25 to December 10, in the context of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, IPN reports.
Last year 21 women were beaten to death, and this year in just 10 months already 22 women have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. Also during this period, over 5224 women have called the hotline for help, 5723 restraining orders have been issued, 798 protection orders have been issued and over 788 restraining orders have been breached. Currently, over 70% of women in Moldova are subjected to violence. All these data were presented by the Vice-President of the Parliament, Doina Gherman, at the launch event of the campaign.
The authorities emphasized the strong commitment of the government and civil society in the fight against violence.
"There is no excuse for violence. Our activism, day after day, year after year, can and must yield results. Together, through solidarity and responsibility, we can build a country free from violence, where all women and girls are protected and respected", said Doina Gherman.
"Reports of abuse are increasing, which signals women's trust in state institutions and the protection system. In these 10 months of activity since the creation of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women, we have realized that it is essential to involve the community and that we must care, so that all women and girls feel safe. More than 1200 activities will take place during the campaign, including in educational institutions, with information hours and educational spots", announced Dona Gherman.
At the same time, in a special campaign with UN Women, 16 silhouettes of women will be placed in 16 public places in Chisinau to draw attention to the problem of violence against women.
"The prevention of violence can only be achieved through education, to combat stereotypes and prejudices that fuel the phenomenon", said Valeria Busuioc, communications consultant at the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women.
To launch the campaign, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection organized a flashmob. "We urge women and the community to report cases of violence and seek help on the 24-hour hotline 0-8008-8008", Minister Alexei Buzu said.
The "16 Days of Activism" campaign aligns with the UN Secretary-General's global initiative "UNiTE by 2030", which mobilizes organizations and individuals around the world to end violence against women. The UN representatives praised the strong mobilization in Moldova and stressed that only through joint and continuous action can real change be achieved. "It is an amazing show of solidarity", noted UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova Yesim Oruc.
The campaign programme includes over 1200 activities across the country, organized by public institutions, civil society and international partners. There will be seminars, public lectures, awareness-raising campaigns, online events and thematic video spots.
