Ludmila Iachim’s fight for equality in Moldova: “Change begins with us”

Ludmila Iachim is the Executive Director of the MOTIVAȚIE Association in Moldova and a leading advocate for the rights, dignity and inclusion of people with disabilities. Living with a disability since adolescence, she has transformed her personal experience into a lifelong mission to expand opportunities, strengthen leadership and challenge stigma, especially for women and girls with disabilities. Under her guidance, MOTIVAȚIE has grown into a national movement advancing accessibility, inclusive employment and community-based support. Through collaborations with UN Women under the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence ” programme, she has helped equip women and girls with disabilities across Moldova with knowledge, confidence and tools to exercise their rights and prevent gender-based violence. 

“My own fulfilling life motivates me to inspire other women and girls with disabilities to strive for more, to invest in themselves and to help transform our society into a safer, more accessible, and more inclusive place for everyone. Change begins with us.” – Ludmila Iachim

Advocacy for women and girls with disabilities is deeply personal for Iachim. Living with a disability since the age of 13, she has transformed her lived experience into a mission: to fight for the rights, dignity and opportunities of people with disabilities.

“My personal experience has been the driving force,” she said. “It taught me to stand up for my rights and those of others and became a source of inspiration for many people with disabilities who need support and guidance. Disability itself is not the challenge, but society’s lack of awareness about our rights and needs.” – Ludmila Iachim

Founded in 2002 by people with disabilities and volunteers, the MOTIVAȚIE Association set out to transform lives in Moldova. What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a recognized movement that creates innovative services, strengthens leadership capacities, and trains community advocates. Through the “EU 4 Gender Equality” programme in partnership with UN Women, MOTIVAȚIE has reached women and girls with disabilities across six regions of Moldova who have taken part in training sessions on their rights and on preventing gender-based violence.

“Women and girls with disabilities face an even higher risk of abuse and violence,” Iachim noted. “That is why our training covers healthy relationships, consent, and where to turn for help. They gained the knowledge and tools to challenge stigma, discrimination, gender stereotypes, and violence,” she explained.

As a disability rights leader, Iachim has seen firsthand the stigma faced by women and girls with disabilities.

“Too often, we are viewed through a lens of pity - seen as dependent, incapable, and in constant need of assistance. Women with disabilities who raise their voices and lead in their communities are powerful agents of change. Gender equality and social inclusion go hand-in-hand - they strengthen diversity, promote acceptance, and transform societies”, said Ludmila Iachim.

Iachim's vision for the next decade is of a Moldova where women and girls with disabilities live in dignity, with access to quality services, healthcare, and equal opportunities in every sphere of life. This vision also includes a society free from violence, where women and girls with disabilities are protected, empowered and supported.

“The fight for the rights of people with disabilities is ongoing. Authorities must recognize that inclusion is not a luxury or a favour; it is a fundamental right. While progress has been slow, we can see real results and a gradual shift in society’s mindset”, stated Ludmila Iachim.

This story is part of “She Changes the Norms” campaign, produced in the framework of the “EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence” programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union, and implemented jointly by UN Women and UNFPA. This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of UN Women and UNFPA and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.