CRDC, part of the national dialogue on preventing gender-based violence

On February 10, 2026, the Regional Center for Community Development (CRDC) participated in the meeting of the Communication and Coordination Platform with non-governmental organizations and civil society, organized by the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, at the premises of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between public authorities and the associative sector, with an emphasis on women’s economic empowerment as a tool for preventing violence — an approach aimed at increasing autonomy, financial independence, and reducing structural vulnerabilities.

For CRDC, participation in this Platform aligns with a strategic direction assumed in recent years: developing integrated interventions in the field of preventing and combating gender-based violence, with a focus on functional mechanisms and community-based prevention.

“Participation in the Platform allows us to connect community-level interventions with national priorities and standards. For us, violence prevention is no longer a one-time focus area, but a strategic direction in which we consistently invest,” stated CRDC Administrator Irina Bejan.

CRDC is a member of the Gender Equality Platform (PEG) and actively engages in its initiatives, contributing with experience gained in the southern region and ensuring the alignment of local interventions with sectoral efforts and best practices.

Over the past year, the organization coordinated at local and regional levels — including in Ceadîr-Lunga, Gagauzia — the “16 Days of Activism against Violence” campaign, mobilizing more than 30 social and institutional actors. The initiatives were implemented in partnership with public authorities, educational institutions, and relevant services, in line with national and international campaigns.

Each year, CRDC’s activities in the field of violence prevention and protection reach hundreds of beneficiaries through community sessions, activities dedicated to youth and women, collaboration with peer educators from two partner colleges, and initiatives aimed at strengthening a culture of reporting and support.

At the same time, the organization is working to strengthen the local referral and case management mechanism in Cahul, integrating the gender-based violence and child protection components into a more coherent inter-institutional framework. Cooperation with the Police, the General Inspectorate for Migration (IGM), the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU), and other institutional partners aims to ensure a coordinated and predictable response in risk situations.

A complementary tool developed by CRDC is the informational guide dedicated to girls and women from Cahul and Gagauzia, providing clear information about available services, rights, and steps to follow in cases of violence. Although these initiatives were not formally presented during the meeting, they reflect the practical contribution the organization brings to the field.

Participation in the Communication and Coordination Platform reaffirms the importance of an applied dialogue between public authorities and civil society. For CRDC, this framework complements fieldwork and strengthens the commitment to safer communities where girls and women have access to information, protection, and real support.

Photo source: ANPCV Moldova