Safety Starts in the Community: Dialogues with Female Students from Tătărăști and Văleni

In September 2026, the Regional Center for Community Development carried out two mobile information sessions under the title “Safety Starts in the Community”, organized within the project “Together for Safety: Social Cohesion and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in the Cahul Region”.

The activities took place in two communities in the Cahul region — Tătărăști and Văleni — and brought together female students from local educational institutions in a space for dialogue, reflection and information about safety, community support, solidarity and the prevention of gender-based violence.

During the sessions, the participants discussed the main forms of gender-based violence and its effects on girls, women and the community. The discussions also addressed how violence can be recognized, why it is important not to ignore situations of risk and how the community can contribute to prevention, support and safe referral.

An important focus was placed on the institutions and organizations available at local level, as well as on the steps through which people experiencing risk or violence can seek help in a safe and confidential manner. The participants had the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on the resources available in their community and identify possible actions that can contribute to a safer and more supportive environment.

Through group exercises and guided discussions, the students explored the idea that safety is not the responsibility of a single person or institution, but a collective effort built through information, empathy, responsible reaction and mutual support.

These activities confirmed once again how important it is to discuss openly and accessibly with young girls about the prevention of gender-based violence, every person’s right to safety and the role of the community in supporting girls and women.

We thank the students from Tătărăști and Văleni for their involvement, openness and active participation. We also extend our sincere thanks to the colleagues from the local educational institutions who facilitated these community dialogues and supported the organization of the sessions.

The activities are part of CRDC’s efforts to contribute to the prevention of gender-based violence and to the strengthening of social cohesion in the communities of the Cahul region, under the message #CahulFărăViolență.

These activities are organized by the Regional Center for Community Development under the aegis of the Gender Equality Platform, with the support of Gender-Centru, and are part of a programme empowering women-led organizations in their efforts to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. This initiative is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and funded by the United Kingdom of Great Britain.