“We need people of all ages, genders and backgrounds working together for gender equality,” says UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in Moldova

On the first day of her visit, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka traveled to Căușeni, a town in the south of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, to launch a public art installation, “Bright Future,” which symbolizes equality and a life free of violence for women and girls. The installation is a triple cube made of mirrors that rotates and reflects sunbeams all around the central park of Căușeni.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka praised the significant efforts of women survivors of violence, also known as Positive Champions, in helping other women survivors of domestic violence in Căușeni and across Moldova to take the first steps towards a life free of violence. “I commend all the Positive Champions for their courage to break the silence around violence against women and girls and to drive action towards a world free of violence. You act as critical positive examples of how women can challenge stereotypes and combat harmful practices,” said Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Nicolae Gorban, President of Causeni district, stressed that in the town more women know about their rights due to the collaboration between women survivors of violence, international organizations, civil society and public authorities. “Although Moldova has improved its legislation, it is disappointing to see that there is still an alarming rate of domestic violence cases. I’d like to thank UN Women, for the sunlight that you brought into our town today,” noted Mr. Gorban, while handing a letter of gratitude to Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Valentina Geamana, a Positive Champion, has overcome years of violence and has now opened a shelter in her local village to help other women who are subject to violence. She noted that women across Moldova should mobilize and unite in ending domestic violence. “Let`s tell women from Moldova that they are not alone,” stressed Geamana.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka also had a lively discussion with young girls and boys who advocated for ending violence against women during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign in 2016. The youth shared with Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka their experience in advocating for women’s and girls’ rights and the impact they have observed.

Violence against women is an endemic problem in Moldova, deeply rooted in cultural norms and entrenched behaviors. About 63 per cent of women have suffered from at least one form of violence perpetrated by their partners, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. UN Women has tested a new survivor-focused approach in 2016 that resulted in over 1000 women in various communities of Moldova taking the first, critical step of seeking support services to break the vicious cycle of intimate partner violence.

Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka also held discussions “on the wheels” with the representatives of women’s groups in Moldova.  She stressed the important partnership between the civil society and UN Women in challenging existing social norms and improving legal framework. During a meeting with women Members of Parliament (MPs), Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka congratulated women MPs on passing a new law in 2016, which, for the first time, introduced gender quotas in party lists and cabinet nominees.

“To reach our goal of Planet 50-50 by 2030, we need people of all ages, genders and backgrounds working together for gender equality,” concluded Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka.

The visit of Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to Moldova takes place in the framework of her official visit to Europe and Central Asia region, which was preceded by Ukraine.