"Bodyright" - a movement against digital violence launched by UNFPA in the Republic of Moldova last fall, gains momentum nationwide with new awareness-raising actions carried out in partnership with Orange and the International Center La Strada. During February-March, at least 6 informative sessions with the theme #ClickWithoutViolence about the forms of digital violence, protective measures, and responsible behavior online will be organized for students in secondary schools and high schools nationwide.
Olga Surugiu, CEO of Orange Moldova, said that through such activities, the company aims to contribute to a safer digital world for everyone.
"As a leader on Moldova's telecommunications market, Orange has undertaken to bring the digital world closer to everyone and to transform technology into a source of progress and opportunities for all. We are proud that, in addition to internal initiatives to raise awareness of digital violence, we empower and positively shape the younger generation through the internal volunteering program "We Care". For over 13 years, we have actively integrated the subject of digital education for children and adolescents into offline workshops conducted by Orange volunteers in general education institutions across the country. Here, students learn more about online security, data protection, forms and methods of preventing digital violence, and together with our partners, UNFPA and La Strada, we expand the portfolio of topics and expertise within the #Bodyright campaign".
Natalia Plugaru, Assistant Representative of UNFPA, appreciated Orange's involvement and mentioned that the private sector plays an essential role in combating digital violence.
According to UNFPA, the greatest risks of digital violence involve online harassment, often with a sexual undertone, unauthorized image capture and distribution, online stalking to induce fear in individuals, receiving or soliciting images with sexual content, as well as blackmailing with the distribution of these images in the virtual space, creating fake accounts, and other forms of abuse.
Specialists warn that women, adolescents, and young people are the most exposed to these risks, encouraging them not to provide anyone with confidential information, including compromising photographs and videos, and in case they find themselves in such situations, to call 112 or the women's and girls' trust phone 0 8008 8008. Also, children can address the platform www.siguronline.md, which offers information services, emotional support, and reporting in case they have suffered from online abuse.
The informative lessons #ClickWithoutViolence are organized within the Orange "We Care" program, through which the company's volunteers visit schools and train students in the field of digital technologies. This program has been aligned with the #Bodyright campaign, together with La Strada and UNFPA, to respond to the needs for information in the field of digital violence.
Any school or high school interested in the subject of digital violence can write to the address fundatia@orange.md and request an information session.