Case study of the project “Girls and Women – Solidarity and Autonomy”

To empower adolescent girls and women in rural Moldova to recognize the signs of abuse, understand its long-term effects, and seek help, UNICEF, in partnership with AO “Women for Women,” has successfully completed a 15-month pilot project titled “Girls and Women – Solidarity and Autonomy.”

The initiative reached multiple rural communities and employed innovative strategies, including community engagement activities, social media campaigns, edutainment, and targeted training sessions. These efforts provided girls and women with practical knowledge and tools to identify abuse, protect themselves, and advocate for their rights.

The project also fostered safe spaces for women to connect, share experiences, and develop leadership skills, strengthening local networks and community support systems. By the end of the pilot, participants reported increased confidence, a greater willingness to speak out, and stronger engagement in decision-making processes affecting their lives.

This pilot lays the foundation for scaling up similar empowerment initiatives across Moldova, highlighting the importance of community-driven approaches to preventing violence and promoting gender equality in rural areas.

Project "Girls and Women - Solidarity and Autonomy" was implemented by AO “Femei pentru Femei (FpF)” in partnership with UNICEF and funded by European Union (European Commission Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection (ECHO).