70 square meters of the walls of the Theoretical High School „Mihai Eminescu” in Falesti talk about gender equality. A mural with messages to combat gender stereotypes was drawn on the building. The event is part of the campaign „It can be done differently. Without stereotypes” carried out under the regional program „Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence”, funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women and UNFPA, in order to address gender stereotypes and gender-based violence.

The mural has the shape of a puzzle which, through the represented images, conveys the message of the campaign - It can be done differently. Without stereotypes. Next to each other are eight scenes that combat stereotypical situations regarding the role of women and men at home and in society.  We see women and men who hold both public office and practice the same kind of sport, men who are involved in raising and educating children, but also couples who share household chores and childcare. Several other scenes talk about equal opportunities for people with disabilities and the participation of men in prenatal and postnatal visits.

„The school has an essential role in educating the young generation and changing gender stereotypes. I am glad that from now on, thanks to this campaign, all students, teachers, parents in Falesti will read the messages about gender equality and will be inspired to adopt a different kind of behavior, without stereotypes. Only through education, positive examples, equal involvement of men and boys can we create an inclusive society, with rights and opportunities for everyone,” said Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Moldova Resident Representative.

„Gender stereotypes and social norms continue to influence the lives of women and men, girls and boys, thus encouraging gender discrimination. That is why gender equality must be promoted at all levels and art is a great way to raise awareness of persistent gender stereotypes and to promote equal rights and opportunities for all,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova country representative.

„The mural painting will remind the students of this school every day, but also all the inhabitants of Fălești, that all of us, regardless of gender, have the right to decide and choose. By supporting such new initiatives, we are actually contributing to the growth of a generation that does not admit gender inequalities,” said Cristina Tambur, director of the „Mihai Eminescu” Theoretical High School.

According to the Study on Gender Norms and Stereotypes conducted in the Eastern Partnership countries under the „Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence” Program, funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women and UNFPA, in the Republic of Moldova 60% of Respondents believe that women should take care of their family and household. And half of male and female respondents believe that a good wife should never question her husband's opinions and decisions, regardless of their own opinions.

The „Together Against Gender Stereotypes and Gender-Based Violence” program supports equal opportunities for women and men, addressing perceptions about the roles of men and women in the family and in society, and helping to eliminate gender-based violence.

Media contact:

Ludmila Bogheanu, communication officer, Regional Program „Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence”, tel. +37369403016, email: bogheanu@unfpa.org.