Chisinau, November 24, 2023. 

For the fifth consecutive year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) joins the campaign "#16 days of activism to eliminate violence against women and girls" in the Republic of Moldova.
 
This year, IOM is involved in the Campaign with a series of events and activities organized together with partners from both banks of the Nistru River, within the IOM project "Contribution of the Office for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) to the IOM Regional Appeal for Ukraine and neighboring countries" and will be financially supported by the US Embassy in Moldova.

Among the many IOM activities planned to support the campaign, a public debate with young people and the scientific-practical conference with the participation of students and young people organized by the State University of Moldova (USM) in partnership with IOM.

During the public debate, that will take place on November 27 at 2 p.m. at Mediacor, USM, more than 60 young people will discuss topics related to gender-based violence. One of the aspects that will be emphasized during the event will be the investment of time, energy, money to prevent gender-based violence. The public debate for young people will be attended by Kent D. Logsdon, US Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, and representatives from IOM and USM.
 
The NGO Non-Profit Partnership Center for Social and Legal Innovation ‘Women's Initiatives’, in collaboration with IOM in Moldova, will organize a concert in Tiraspol performed by the local band «Lanjeron» and the Art Institute’s orchestra.
During the event, participants will receive information about the campaign.
A round table on the topic "Psychological violence in modern society" will also be organized in Tiraspol. During this activity, specialists in the field will illustrate ways to identify psychological violence and offer recommendations to prevent this form of abuse against women. In both events, participants will receive information material from the IOM staff.

Over 30 representatives of law enforcement agencies from UTA Gagauzia - district police officers, sector heads, prosecutors, investigators will improve their skills in working with victims of domestic violence through training courses, and over 600 teenagers from Cișmichioi, Vulcănești, Ceadâr-Lunga, Copceac, Comrat, Congaz will participate in information sessions on gender-based violence, organized by the local NGO "Biaz Gul" in partnership with IOM.
 
These and other events and activities will take place within the IOM project "Contribution of the Office for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) to the IOM Regional Appeal for Ukraine and neighboring countries" and will be financially supported by the US Embassy in Moldova The aim of all activities is to amplify messages on gender equality, with a focus on means of preventing gender-based violence (GBV).
 
In the Republic of Moldova, the "#16 days of activism to eliminate violence against women and girls" campaign is coordinated by the United Nations in Moldova, in partnership with public authorities, international organizations and civil society.
 
Since 2008, the Campaign has been held annually internationally for 16 days - from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (International Human Rights Day), drawing people's attention to the fact that violence against women is the most widespread violation of human rights worldwide. The aim of the #16 days to eliminate gender-based violence is to mobilize international communities, civil society, UN agencies, government institutions, human rights activists, schools, universities, the private sector, but also individuals interested in getting involved in actions to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
 
This year's theme of the Campaign is "Invest to prevent violence against women and girls".
 
Additional information about IOM activities within the Campaign "#16 days of activism to eliminate violence against women and girls" in the Republic of Moldova can be found on the official website https://moldova.iom.int/ro and on the IOM Moldova Facebook pages and Instagram. 
 
 
For more information, please contact:
Tatiana Bunduchi, communication consultant
GSM: (+373) 69569798
Email: tania.iojita@gmail.com
 
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Riccardo Severi, Communications and Public Information Officer, IOM Moldova
rseveri@iom.int, +373 60407660