Partnership between social actors bring change in the lives of vulnerable women

According to studies, 6 out of 10 women in Moldova have experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime. Most cases of violence occurred in the family and were committed most often by their husbands, who are followed by fathers or step fathers. The majority of victims were mothers with children.

UNFPA, United Nations Population Fund, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Social Protection and Family, with the support of Orange Foundation has implemented the project "Economic Empowerment of vulnerable women in Moldova" which had the goal to support vulnerable women - victims and potential victims of domestic violence in Moldova. Thanks to the Project 1066 women were helped to gain new knowledge and skills to ensure their financial independence.

Rodica S., aged 35, endured beatings from her cohabitant, because she feared that she would not afford to raise the children by herself. With children, she could not be employed and she depended entirely on him. When she decided to leave home with the children she received aid at the Maternal Center in the district, where she knew about the Project "Economic empowerment of vulnerable women in Moldova" and has attended numerous training courses offered under the project. Since her childhood she dreamt to become a seamstress. After finishing the training she developed a business plan - opening a tailor shop in the village. Under the project she received a sewing machine, cloth, thread. "I sew bed linen made from purchased cloth and sell it at the market. I already pay utilities and stored some wood for the winter. I gain daily about 100-150 lei and I can buy food and hygiene items, I can please my children buying them something tasty. I am calm and confident".

Maria N., 36 years old, after several failed attempts to restore relations with her husband, who was aggressive with her and the children, she left him. She benefited of assistance at the Centre "SOTIS" where she knew about the Project "Economic empowerment of vulnerable women in Moldova". Maria has received counseling and career guidance workshop and she chose to attend the hairdresser training. Under the project she got the tools necessary for practice, attended hairdresser training and now she is attending long-term courses with wide profile. "I am excited about the opportunity to have a job and a salary "only mine". Now I know I can succeed with my own forces, I can provide all the necessary for me and my children. I changed my life and my parents also help me - confidence and support of others can change things!"

Larisa T., aged 24, comes from a family where the parents have lived in love and understanding. After marriage the relationship with her husband changed, he had occasional earnings and was often spending earned money on alcohol, becoming verbally aggressive, then leave home for a long period, leaving the wife with no money. Through the social worker she was informed about the Project "Economic empowerment of vulnerable women in Moldova" and addressed for participation in training activities. After finishing the training she wrote a business plan - opening a copying office. The project team helped her to rent space within an educational institution and gave the necessary equipment - printer, copier, scanner. After opening the copying office she has a daily income of 80-150 lei. "Initially, I did not believe in this project, but then I realized it could be a success. At first I paid rent and utilities, I bought food and hygiene items. I am happy. But the greatest joy is that we managed to improve the relationship with my husband whom I love. I am afraid to even think of how my life would have been if it was not this project. I am grateful with all my heart".

Anna U., 37 years old, worked in construction together with her husband and he was receiving all the money, which she did not mind until he started drinking and spending family budget on gambling. Trying to become independent, she appealed to the local Employment Agency, where she was informed about the "Economic empowerment of vulnerable women in Moldova" project. Ana received a scholarship and successfully completed tailoring courses and, based on the submitted business plan, she received the equipment necessary to start work. "This is a victory I obtained myself and it gives me security and self-confidence. I have an income and now I know that I will be able to support my four children without depending on anyone's help".

Implementing partners of the project:
Association of Psychologists (Tighina)
The Association of Single-Parent Families (Cahul)
Family Crisis Center "SOTIS" (Balţi)
Public Association "Artemida" (Drochia)