The Technical University of Moldova is steadfast in its commitment to promoting gender equality and best practices in education. From July 9-12, 2024, UTM representatives Associate Professor Dr. Viorica URSU and Iurie IVANOV, Head of the “Law” Program at the Faculty of Construction, Geodesy, and Cadastre, attended the Eastern Partnership Law Schools Meeting on gender perspective integration in Tbilisi, Georgia.
This important event was part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe program “Partnership for Good Governance,” under the regional project “Women’s Access to Justice – Implementing Council of Europe Standards on Gender Equality and Violence Against Women.” The meeting aimed to share recent analyses on integrating gender perspectives within the Eastern Partnership. It also sought to initiate discussions on utilizing Council of Europe standards and tools to enhance gender perspective integration in higher education.
During the meeting, UTM representatives engaged with colleagues from Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova. The event featured renowned speakers such as Danko RUNIĆ, Project Manager for “Institutional Capacity and Cooperation, Gender Equality Division” at the Council of Europe, Prof. Anne Laure HUMBERT, Prof. Carolyn EDGERTON, Baia PATARAIA, and Krystyna KHOKHLOVA, all esteemed experts affiliated with the Council of Europe.
One of the most memorable activities was the visit to the Gender Studies Institute at the Faculty of Law of Ilia State University in Tbilisi, where the UTM team was guided by Dean George PAPUASHVILI. They exchanged insights on the Faculty’s implementation of gender equality studies as a distinct subdivision within the university, showcasing a successful model that could inspire similar initiatives in other higher education institutions.
Participating in the event provided the UTM delegation with a valuable opportunity to build stronger ties with regional universities and deepen their expertise in integrating gender perspectives into education. The meeting underscored UTM’s dedication to advancing gender equality principles and expanding women’s access to justice. Enhancing knowledge and skills in this field is essential for preparing the next generation of legal professionals who will contribute to a more equitable and just society.
All participation expenses were covered by the Council of Europe, highlighting once again the international support UTM receives in its efforts to promote best practices and European standards in legal education.
Through such initiatives, UTM positions itself as a leader in advocating for gender equality and improving the quality of legal education in both the Republic of Moldova and the broader region. We take pride in the accomplishments of our representatives and remain committed to advancing excellence and innovation in education.
