Central Electoral Commission, Audiovisual Council and the Council of Europe Office in Chisinau, launched today the campaign to raise awareness among citizens about combating sexism in elections. The purpose of the event was to present and test the slogan and messages for the campaign, as well as to exemplify the role of partners in supporting the efforts of the authorities.
The event was attended by representatives of political parties, central public authorities, civil society, experts in the field of gender equality and gender-based violence.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Angelica Caraman, welcomed the interest and involvement of those present at the event in debating subjects related to violence against women in the electoral process. "These problems are felt more deeply in elections, when women candidates become victims of discrimination, harassment and inequality. In a few months, we will enter in a new electoral period. This is why the launch of this campaign now is actual, important and relevant. We intend to carry out several activities aimed at informing, monitoring, combating, but not least educating voters not to accept and tolerate sexist speech and violence against women in all areas, including elections", said Angelica Caraman.
During the event were also presented the slogans that will mark the campaign. The participants came up with several proposals, which reflect the essence and objectives of the campaign and will encourage women not to be afraid and report sexist messages, hate speech and participate as actively as possible in electoral processes.
The campaign to prevent and combat sexism in elections aims to increase the level of information and awareness by voters, as well as interested parties, of the issue of sexist speech in electoral campaigns and of the legal mechanisms and combating this type of discourse in elections.