Finding Voice: Marginalized Populations in the Republic of Moldova
In an effort to create a distinct Moldovan identity after the collapse of the Soviet Union, there has been a disregard for certain groups, leading to discrimination and marginalization based on sexual identity, ethnicity, religion, and gender. There is no legal framework in place to protect these groups, and efforts to pass an anti-discrimination law through parliament have been consistently dismissed. Meanwhile, there has been deliberate violence against the LGBTQ community, social exclusion of Roma and individuals with disabilities. This trip will address: (1) The struggles of individuals within these populations. (2) The work of civil society in working for equal rights. (3) The coalition working to pass an anti-discrimination law through parliament. We will explore the rights of marginalized communities in Moldova by looking in depth at the struggles and resiliency of the following groups:
a) LGBTQ individuals in Moldova:
LGBTQ individuals are not afforded the same rights as other members of Moldovan society, and have faced violence and discrimination. The controversy surrounding the passing of the anti-discrimination bill has led to increased harassment of LGBTQ individuals.
b) Roma:
As in many other countries in Eastern Europe, Roma (historically known as Gypsies) are forcibly displaced, lack legal documentation, and face ethnic discrimination in the labor market, education, health care and other social spheres.
c) Disability Rights:
During the Soviet Union, there was a policy to isolate people with disabilities to poorly equipped boarding homes with minimal care. The attitude that disabled people should be medicated and hidden persists twenty years later.
Participants on this trip will gain insight and build relationships with marginalized communities in Moldova by engaging in firsthand dialogue and service with NGOs and local activists. The trip will begin in Chisinau, the capitol of Moldova, where students will split into smaller groups with a trip leader, and volunteer at an organization based on their interests. Then the entire group will travel to a village, where as a group they will volunteer with one organization for three days. Upon return to the DC area, students will have the opportunity to connect the anti-discrimination work to local efforts.
About the student leaders....
Katie Biese is a 2nd year Graduate Student in the School of International Service studying Development Management. She was an Agro-Business Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova from 2007-2009.
Laticia Sanchez is a 3rd year Law Student at American University's Washington College Law. She was a Health Education Peace Corps Volunteer in Moldova from 2007-2009.
Neha Raval is a 2nd year Graduate Student in the School of International Service studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution. She was a Community Development Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova from 2007-2009, and speaks fluent Russian. She currently works at the Center for Community Engagement and Service as the graduate assistant for Alternative Breaks.
Tentative Itinerary:
Day 1: Orientation and Introduction: Arrive in Chisinau and settle in hotel. Meet with coalition on non-discrimination and tour of Chisinau.
Day 2: Chisinau Service Activity
Small groups begin service activity with one of three civil society organizations. Roundtable discussion with representatives from the coalition on non-discrimination, focusing on the coalition’s efforts and the community struggles.
Day 3: Chisinau Service Activity
Service activity in small groups; Roundtable with representatives from disability rights organization, Jewish Community Center, and Roma rights organization.
Day 4: Chisinau Service Activity
Service activity in small groups; Meet with US Ambassador or other Embassy representative to discuss the social issues surrounding discrimination and marginalized populations. Roundtable discussion with anti-trafficking organizations.
Day 5: Glimpse of the Country
Morning travel to historic site: Orhei Vechi; spend the afternoon at Orhei Vecchi; by late afternoon arrive in village, traditional dinner with host organization.
Day 6: Rural Service Activity
Introduction to host organization and service activity.
Day 7: Rural Service Activity
Introduction to host organization and service activity. Meet with local government official and NGO leaders in the evening.
Day 8: Debrief and Wrap-Up
Morning travel to Chisinau; debrief; Departure for the U.S.
Day 9:
Travel back to DC, Wrap up and action planning
