Over 400 individuals, including government and parliamentary officials, as well as representatives from organizations and international missions, took part on Monday, November 25, in a collective event to launch the campaign ”16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.” This annual campaign advocates for the elimination of violence against women and girls, delivering a clear message: violence is unacceptable, and there is #NOEXCUSE for it.
The event, organized by the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV) with support from the United Nations in Moldova, highlighted the urgent need to address gender-based violence. The official campaign color, orange, symbolizes a bright, violence-free future, while the hashtag #NOEXCUSE reaffirms the commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights violations in Moldova. Recent data shows that 73% of women aged 15 and older have experienced violence from a partner, and 40% have faced physical or sexual violence.
This year’s campaign focuses on femicide, the most extreme form of violence. Recent figures indicate that in the first nine months of 2024, 22 women in Moldova were killed by partners or family members.
“There is no excuse for violence. Our daily and yearly activism against all forms of violence must yield results. Efforts through the National Coordinating Council Platform, the establishment of the National Agency for the Prevention and Combat of Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, and strengthening legal frameworks and prevention tools are all directed toward ending violence against women and girls,” stated Doina Gherman, Vice President of Parliament.
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The UNITE campaign, launched by the UN Secretary-General, aims to raise global awareness, promote advocacy, and inspire innovative solutions to eliminate violence against women and girls both online and offline by 2030.
“Violence against women and girls can and must be prevented. The solution lies in robust responses, educating and empowering women and girls, building strong institutions, creating a legal framework to protect and support survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. We must invest in comprehensive strategies, including partnerships with women’s rights organizations, and allocate sufficient budgets for prevention and support services,” emphasized Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova.
In the first 10 months of 2024, the number of protection orders issued by courts increased by 24% (527 compared to 426 in the same period of 2023). The electronic monitoring system was applied in 93% of protection order cases, indicating improved institutional response.
Globally, in 2023, 51,100 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members—an average of 140 women per day.