ADVANCE: Alleviating Domestic Violence in Moldova

Earlier this year, ADVANCE held a contest for young people in Moldova to submit drawings and videos depicting images promoting gender equality in interpersonal relationships and confronting the problem of domestic violence. The contest aimed to generate messages that will be used in the project’s activities to raise awareness about family violence in Moldovan communities. The winners were awarded small prizes to encourage their continued activism against domestic violence.

The winning video was submitted by Violeta Vasiliu and shows how those affected by family violence privately struggle with the problem and are often forced to hide it from their friends. The first place drawing winner, Diana Schiopu, is an 18 year old student from Causeni city, where she volunteers at a women’s center. Her drawing of a frightened child draws attention to the social effects suffered by children affected by family violence, and encourages viewers to end indifference. Olga Birlea, a 22 year old university student from Cahul, is an active volunteer with one of ADVANCE’s local NGO partners and a member of a national folk dance group. Her second prize drawing depicts a scene of inter-partner violence from a child’s perspective. All of the submissions demonstrated that many young people are actively engaged in speaking out against domestic violence and drawing attention to the support needed for those who suffer from it. Young people are key actors in changing attitudes about gender equality, and ADVANCE continues to engage them in a variety of program activities.      

On behalf of Winrock and our partners in the ADVANCE project, we thank donors for their generous support. To date we have raised over $1,100, thanks to individuals like you. Stay tuned for more updates!