Participants in PACE meetings discuss combating violence, role of parliaments in implementing Istanbul Convention

The ratification of the Istanbul Convention by Moldova has been a clear signal of zero tolerance towards any form of violence against girls and women. The measures undertaken by the authorities to combat domestic violence and protect victims, as well as to economically empower women stay a priority for the parliament. Messages to this effect were conveyed by the Moldovan parliament’s leadership at a roundtable hosted by the legislature today. The event took place on the sidelines of the meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

“We have a long way to go, I know. Women and girls in Moldova still live under the risk of gender-based violence, discrimination, economic inequality. It is a grim legacy of our past. But we will emerge victorious from this fight as well, because if we do not learn to take care of our people, we cannot claim a place among the civilized countries of this continent. I assure you of the full openness of the parliament and the entire government to find lasting solutions, so that each woman and girl in Moldova is safe,” said Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.





Deputy Parliament Speaker Doina Gherman, who moderated the discussions, said that the laws and policies developed by parliamentarians must have a long-term impact, be strategic and efficient.

“The Istanbul Convention provides us with a roadmap. Now, it is our duty to turn this roadmap into reality for every woman—through consistency, vision and of course, through proper funding,” reiterated Deputy Parliament Speaker Doina Gherman.





“Your country is navigating through pressures that few in Europe can imagine: external threats, information warfare, attempts at destabilization. And yet, you continue to extend the protection of women, strengthen institutions and align with European standards. This is more than just a national policy; it is a message of resilience and dignity for the entire region,” PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos said.

At the same time, the participants in the roundtable welcomed the presence of a group of young people, actively involved in promoting and defending children’s rights in Moldova, who participated in the National Children's Rights Forum.





The event brought together 60 lawmakers from 46 states. The discussions also included European officials and representatives of state institutions involved in the protection of girls and women and combating violence. The participants discussed the most effective ways to implement the Istanbul Convention, addressing existing challenges and possible solutions.



The roundtable was organized by the Parliamentary and Electoral Cooperation Division of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in cooperation with the Women at PACE group and the Moldovan parliament’s delegation to PACE.

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) is the most comprehensive international legal instrument in this field. The parliament of Moldova voted to ratify the Istanbul Convention on October 14, 2021.