Myths and prejudices, such as "Do not dare to come home knocked-up" or "I would rather die than talk to my parents about it", persist in the Moldovan society. Their dismantling depends on all the members of the society, the school and the family having an essential role in correctly informing the young generation about reproductive health. This is the opinion of over 150 participants in the launching of "Let's talk"! campaign, IPN reports.
A press release of UNFPA Moldova mentions that the event brought together representatives from various fields, including decision makers, civil society, parents and young people, the media, influencers, the private sector. They discussed without avoiding taboo subjects such matters as: family planning, sexual and reproductive health education, prevention of teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.
Rita Columbia, Representative of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), says that the change depends on each of us. "People who are involved in the promotion of reproductive rights and health can contribute to an essential change for young women who get pregnant at an early age. We can do this when we break the silence, fight taboos and help girls and women be informed about their rights,” noted Rita Columbia.
Special guest of the event, Boglárka Csősz Talu, actress, producer, activist for women's rights in Hungary, mentioned that family planning was a right that must be ensured for every citizen. "This is my right and the choice I make with my partner. Young people need to be informed so that they can make the right choices for themselves. I believe passionately in gender equality, girls' rights, healthy, democratic families and I plead for effective change”, said the activist.
Attending the event, journalist and vlogger Dorin Galben mentioned that the school and the family were equally responsible for educating the young generation, including matters concerning one's own body development and preventing risky behaviour. "A child must be wanted and expected, but must not become a burden for two minor parents, scared and pointed at. Well, we started to talk openly about it,” said Dorin Galben.
Ina Crasnojon, a psychologist, psychotherapist and co-founder of the Academy of Parents to be Envied, urged parents to engage in constructive dialogue with their children. "Connect with children, talk to them about their physical, hormonal development, about their emotions. This helps us avoid a lot of problems in the future,” said the specialist.
"Let's Talk" campaign will continue through five other similar events organized locally, but also through activities to be carried out by participants and influencers, including addressing topics on vlogs or blogs, organizing information sessions for women and men by the private sector, breaking stereotypes through online communities.
The event was organized by the UN Population Fund in collaboration with the suntparinte.md portal.
In the Republic of Moldova, "Let's Talk" campaign is in line with the 25th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, an event that revolutionized the approach to reproductive rights and health, emphasizing the free choice of each person to plan his/her family and life.
