Paradoxical as it may sound, refugees are people who want, first of all, to return home.🏠 Refugees from Ukraine who have arrived among us are mothers, grandparents, children and teenagers who have left their homes in a hurry to the deafening sound of sirens, under the threat of drones and explosions.🔊
In the four years of activity of the Women and Girls Safe Space Mobile Team, we have been with girls and women who shared with us how they survived the first days of the war, about how difficult and painful their path to Moldova was and how hard it was for them to accept the fact that the war will not end soon. 🤍
Many of them lost their relatives and loved ones in the war, were left without homes. Some of them simply have nowhere to return. During the years spent in Moldova, practically all of them have learned Romanian, their children have gone to kindergarten, they are studying in gymnasiums and high schools and universities in the Republic of Moldova.👨🎓
Regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in, the enthusiasm and involvement of these women never diminishes. At each meeting, our beneficiaries actively participate in discussions on topics considered taboo, but which directly affect them, almost daily. We address topics such as gender discrimination against women, the causes of domestic violence, economic violence, digital violence and sexual and reproductive health. 💬
In the last 6 months, we have brought an innovative activity to our meetings entitled “Group Activity for Rehabilitation and Social Reduction”. Here we learn together how to let go of prejudices, how to manage our emotional reactions in tense moments and how to better understand the intentions of those around us, thus preventing conflicts and building bridges of communication. 🤝
We reinforce this knowledge through practical exercises: breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation and walking meditation. These techniques, although seemingly simple, help women combat the daily anxiety and constant stress they experience. ✨
Beneficiaries often express their deep gratitude to UNFPA Moldova and AO Artemida for the opportunity to participate in these meetings and for all the support they receive from the Women and Girls Safe Space Mobile Team. Many of them wish that these sessions would be organized even more often, because in this space they find understanding, safety and hope for the future🕊️. The trust they have in this team confirms that the help provided remains essential for them.
