Margherita Gobbat, a doctoral researcher at the Center for Eastern European Studies at the University of Bremen and an Early-stage researcher at the Center for Social Science in Georgia, shares his fascinating journey to the Republic of Moldova and his connection with Gender-Centru, a member organization of the Gender Equality Platform. Deepening in the dynamics of the post-Soviet transition, Margherita explores its impact on the lives of women and girls.
Originally from a small village near Venice, Italy, Margherita was attracted to Eastern Europe as a young girl. In autumn 2019, he arrived for the first time in Moldova for an internship at the Italian Embassy. Captivated by Moldovan culture, history, and dishes, Margherita was inspired to include Moldova as a case study in her doctorate, after previous research on Moldovan immigrants in Italy amplified his curiosity about the political and social history of the country.
Return to Chisinau
In spring 2023, Margherita returned to Chisinau to conduct her doctoral research, working closely with wine producers and local experts. She argues that her experience at Gender-Centru has been crucial to connecting with the academic and local community, providing her valuable research resources and opportunities to contribute to conferences and seminars.
It was a positive experience, so when she decided to participate in the PRELAB project, funded by the European Commission, Margherita chose Moldova again, returning to the Gender Center. She now conducts scientific research and organizes workshops on informality in Eurasian economies. His work includes working with policymakers and businesses to promote positive change in local communities.
Adaptation to Life in Moldova
In Chisinau, Margherita feels calm and comfortable, finding friends who make her feel welcome. Although there are differences from Italy, Margherita notes many similarities that facilitate its integration. He likes to stroll through the parks and wooded streets of the city center, admiring the vestiges of the old houses before the Second World War.
She argues that the Gender-Centru community received it with open arms, and the valuable support received was instrumental in its research, in solving administrative problems, and in integrating into local networks.
Involvement in Local Events and Projects
In May and June, Margherita attended seminars organized and co-hosted by Gender-Centru. These opportunities allowed him to learn about sustainable development and gender issues. In a notable event organized in collaboration with the Union for Equity and Health under a joint UN program on HIV/AIDS, he focused on recommendations from a gender analysis of HIV prevention and care policies. The discussions highlighted the importance of gender transformation policies and addressing gender-based violence in providing health services for marginalized women in Moldovan society.
Margherita was deeply impressed by the testimonies of two affected women, stressing the urgency of research and policy development to improve community welfare and reduce stigmatization.
Contributions to the GustoHora Project
Margherita was extremely pleased with the two days of volunteering spent in the GustoHora project: „Prin Inclusion against Violence”, which aims to prevent and respond to gender violence, promoting integration between Ukrainian refugees and locals from all over Moldova. The event organized by Gender-Centru included preparing and tasting dishes, games, competitions for children and teenagers, and informative sessions for all participants.
Margherita believes this initiative represents a positive approach to combating stereotypes and preventing violence, demonstrating that collaboration is possible despite ethnic and linguistic differences.
Challenges and Future Hopes
Although Margherita faces language challenges, she is determined to learn and adapt. With limited knowledge of Romanian and Russian, participating in deep conversations is difficult, but she is motivated to improve her language skills.
Margherita acknowledges that inequality and gender-based violence remain harsh realities in both Moldova and Italy. It emphasizes the need for strict implementation of existing norms and continuous updating to reflect recent developments in international human rights. Education, combating hate speech, and improving working conditions for women are essential to creating more cohesive and non-violent societies.
A Vision of the Future
Margherita Gobbat is an example of perseverance and dedication in academic research and social work. Its involvement in Moldova, alongside the Gender Centre, highlights the importance of international collaboration and continuous efforts to promote gender equality and improve the lives of women and girls. With determination and passion, Margherita continues to explore beyond borders, bringing positive change to local communities and contributing to a fairer world.
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