EU4Gender Equality: religious leaders promote gender equality and prevent domestic violence

Ten religious leaders in Moldova are now better prepared to contribute to preventing and responding to domestic violence. This progress was made possible through an EU-funded project, ‘Love for One’s Neighbour: Empowering the Religious Community to Prevent Domestic Violence in Rural Areas’.

Over one year, the priests involved in the project participated in trainings and conferences on promoting gender equality and eliminating domestic violence, and later organised discussions with parishioners in ten communities. As a result, the project strengthened a network of priests better prepared to promote gender equality and prevent domestic violence.

Earlier, on 15 October 2025, religious leaders, representatives of central authorities, international organisations and philanthropic partners gathered to reflect on the results of the project.

“Through initiatives like this, we can prevent violence, bring hope and encourage those who are living through such situations to speak up,” said His Grace Veniamin, Bishop of Southern Bessarabia. “To reduce violence and its impact, each of us, in our respective roles, must help instill in young people, in families, and in children a Christian conduct worthy of the civilised world we live in.”

“We live in a reality in which only one in ten women report violence, and every year more than 20 women are victims of femicide. For this reason, all our daily efforts seek to encourage more women and girls to report violence,” said Viorica Țîmbalari, General Director of the Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

The project was implemented by the Social Mission ‘Diaconia’ as part of the ‘EU 4 Gender Equality: Together against gender stereotypes and gender-based violence’ programme (phase 2), funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by UN Women and UNFPA.

Find out more

Press release