Women with disabilities in Moldova face obstacles in finding and maintaining employment, so as accessing different types of services. In consequence, they are vulnerable to poverty and violence and in some cases, become socially excluded. However, nearly six out of ten women with disabilities are resilient to stigma and discrimination and well aware of their rights. These are some key findings of the survey "Analysis of the level of stigmatisation of women with disabilities", which was developed under a project funded through the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) and implemented by UN Women and UNDP Moldova. The study was presented on 21 March 2023 during a workshop attended by service providers and women with disabilities from different regions of the country. 

"Social barriers such as stigma and discrimination affect the ability of women with disabilities to integrate into the social and economic life of the country. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection advocates for an inclusive society, where every person can enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms. In this context, the analysis presented today will help us to know better the problems these people face and to promote public policies oriented to their needs," said Vasile Cușca, Secretary of State, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

The research found that three out of every ten women with disabilities in Moldova have had difficulty in employment and/or lost their job or source of income. Limited access to public transportation and medical services are two other problems the women reported in the questionnaires. 

Referring to violence, the interviewed women mentioned that the perpetrators were most frequently people close to the victims. The women also said that family, social assistance and medical services were the greatest sources of support in helping them overcome the consequences of violence. Meanwhile, local public authorities and the police were considered less efficient sources of support.

The survey found that one out of every two women who went through discrimination or abuse did not tell anyone about these negative experiences and among those who decided to report the problem, one out of four did not receive any support. 

"It is important that the voices of women with disabilities reflected in this survey as well as other studies and discussions are heard and that the challenges and proposals for solutions are taken into account while developing interventions, strategies and policies. For UN Women, the issues highlighted in this survey, such as preventing and combating discrimination, stigma and violence and economically empowering women, including women with disabilities, remain a priority,” said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova’s Country Representative.  

"Although in recent years we have witnessed several positive trends in the social and economic integration of women with disabilities, stereotypes and gender-based discrimination remain difficult obstacles for many women to overcome. The findings of this survey should lie at the basis of future actions and policies to be adopted to ensure full equality between women and men," mentioned Valeria Ieșeanu, Planning and Partnership Development Specialist at UNDP Moldova

The survey was conducted by the MOTIVAȚIE Association of Moldova between 20 November 2022 and 12 January 2023, using a sample size of 110 women with disabilities from all over the country. The interviews were based on a methodology proposed by experts from the University College London. 

The survey’s findings will be taken into account while strengthening services and interventions in the field. 

"Addressing stigmatisation, discrimination and violence to empower women with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova” project, implemented by UNDP and UN Women, aims at addressing the key challenges in overcoming stigmatisation and discrimination and more effectively address violence against women and girls with disabilities. The project is part of a global initiative, implemented in Moldova, Pakistan, Samoa and Palestine.