OSCE Mission to Moldova addresses gender inequality and domestic violence in series of public lectures

The OSCE Mission to Moldova launched a series of 15 public lectures on 2 May 2017 aimed at promoting gender equality and combating domestic violence in Moldova. The public lectures, organized with the support of Moldova’s Ministry of Education, will be held throughout the year in 13 separate locations across the country, including the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia. Some 900 students and teachers of vocational schools are expected to attend.

The lectures will focus on the importance of gender equality in the public and economic life of the country and on preventing and responding to cases of domestic violence. In this regard, the lecture series challenges the prevailing attitudes to domestic violence in Moldova, according to which violence is seen as a private matter to be dealt with within families. Additionally, the lectures are designed to break down gender stereotypes in both the public and private spheres.

“It is important that young people appreciate the need for gender equality and respect women’s rights,” said Valentina Bodrug-Lungu, Director of the Gender Centru NGO and one of the speakers in the public lecture series. “Such lectures undoubtedly contribute to raising future generations that are empowered to prevent the abuse of women and promote healthy family relations.”

The public lectures build on the important role of educational institutions in promoting equal opportunities and instilling key values among young people. They build on project activities implemented by the Mission in 2015 and 2016 to raise awareness of gender equality and issues associated with domestic violence among young people in vocational schools and colleges, especially those studying psychology, counselling and social work.