ADVANCE: Alleviating Domestic Violence in Moldova

This summer, 50 young Moldovan women gained leadership skills and enhanced their self-confidence and knowledge about domestic violence and human trafficking during the annual Summer School of Leadership (SSL), co-organized by Winrock and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Mission to Moldova. In addition, participants learned about available educational and job opportunities and resources, acquired basic employment and entrepreneurship skills, and discussed political and social issues in the country.

Moldova’s Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family attended SSL and spoke to participants about the  importance of building a society in which men and women are equal and domestic violence is eliminated. The Minister and other speakers encouraged the young women to get involved in decision-making processes in their communities and to actively participate in efforts to prevent and eliminate domestic violence. The important role that men and boys play in promoting gender equality was also highlighted. Many of the young women who participated in SSL expressed commitment to lead activities in their communities to address social issues, using the skills and techniques they learned this summer. As one participant noted, “I became more confident in myself [as a result of the SSL]. In the future I want to speak in front of people. I believe that if I apply the knowledge gained at the Summer School I will become a true leader.” In November, participants will reconvene to present the progress of their  activities and share their experiences.

In addition to leadership and prevention activities like SSL, in its first year, ADVANCE provided services to over 100 survivors of domestic violence and women at risk, and reached over 450 people in rural villages through Mobile Technical Units.  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!