Moldovan women’s voices at United Nations; Deputy parliament speaker says no woman should have to suffer in silence anymore

Deputy Parliament Speaker Doina Gherman is currently participating in the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. This year’s edition, dedicated to strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, was marked by a powerful speech by the Moldovan official, who brought to the forefront harsh realities and the need for deep systemic reforms.

In a speech filled with emotion and a sense of responsibility, Doina Gherman spoke from the UN’s main rostrum about recent tragedies caused by gender-based violence that have shaken public opinion in Moldova. Referring to the case of Ludmila Vartic — a symbol of the suffering caused by gaps in the protection system — the deputy speaker stressed that such events must not remain merely subjects of national mourning, but must become catalysts for immediate legislative and institutional change.

“I am here driven by a deep sense of responsibility and pain. I spoke for Ludmila and for all women of Moldova who live in fear and suffer in silence. Her case must strengthen our determination to build a national prevention and protection system, in which no woman is ever again left alone in front of her abuser,” said Doina Gherman.

The official emphasized that genuine access to justice was not limited to the court process itself, but represents a complex mechanism requiring unprecedented coordination between all state structures. Doina Gherman called for a united front made up of: the Police and the Prosecutor’s Office — for rapid intervention and thorough documentation of cases; the Health System and Social Services — for immediate assistance and rehabilitation of victims; local and central authorities — for financing and implementing protection programmes; and Civil Society — as an essential partner in monitoring and educating communities.

In the context of the country’s European path, Doina Gherman reiterated that gender equality is a central pillar of the European vision embraced by Moldova.

“Gender equality is not just a principle, but a legal and social obligation that we have as an EU candidate country,” underlined the deputy parliament speaker.

At the same time, Moldova will strengthen its role on the international stage. During the new mandate within the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the country will act not only as a beneficiary of good practices, but as an active promoter of women’s rights, contributing directly to shaping global policies in this field.

The presence of the Moldovan delegation in New York reaffirms that women’s safety is a national security priority, and the voice of Moldova is now heard and respected at the highest level of global diplomacy.