In Moldova, as in many other countries in the region, due to a patriarchal society, women face various forms of discrimination and structural inequalities and are underrepresented in public spaces in various fields: political and economic participation; lower income and access to services; low standard of living and quality of life. Multiple crises (pandemic, energy, war and refugee crises) also disproportionately affect women. From losing jobs/income being primary caregivers for children in pandemics, to being exposed to greater risks of gender-based violence, trafficking and poverty during war and the refugee crisis.
In the context of the above, it is essential to maintain the focus on humanitarian support, respecting human dignity and building intervention plans regarding socio-economic inclusion, addressing specific needs, providing medium and long-term psychological support and creating spaces and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Specialized women’s organizations are best placed to address women’s needs, whether it is violence against women and girls, health, issues, economic empowerment, etc.
As a result, four women’s organizations, members of the National Coalition “Life without Violence” from the South, Center and North of the Republic of Moldova, intend to develop, strengthen and expand their existing infrastructure and services to be able to maintain assistance and, in addition, to promote specialized services for women victims of various forms of violence, but also to become Women’s Resource Centers at the local level.
The project envisages the creation of the “Ophelia” Women’s Resilience Center in the Southern region of the country. The center will be a specialized infrastructure space that will focus on promoting women’s rights in an integrated and comprehensive way. This women’s center will address and include all aspects of women’s rights, from the personal to the structural level, in a unique and effective manner.
A fundamental aspect of the “Ophelia” Women’s Resilience Center is the intersectional approach. The center will provide services to women who have limited access to resources and support, particularly women who are victims of gender-based violence and other forms of gender-based discrimination. Each woman will be treated in a unique way, taking into account her specific context and individual needs. Through this approach, the Center is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized services that address the multiple challenges women face.
This center will serve not only refugee women, but also women in the community, ensuring that no woman is forgotten or left behind. We want to create a world where all women have access to equal resources and opportunities, regardless of origin or social status.
NGO Ophelia is the beneficiary of the project “Support for Refugee Women and Girls Survivors of Gender-Based Violence”, funded by the Government of the United States of America through the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).