News

Gender Equality in the Penitentiary System: Training Sessions for NAP Employees

Between March 16–20, 2026, the Public Association "AFI" (Act for Involvement) organized a series of training sessions in Chișinău titled: "Gender Equality in the Penitentiary Environment: Staff and Persons Deprived of Liberty, in All Their Diversity."

The event brought together 125 employees of the National Administration of Penitentiaries (NAP), with the primary goal of strengthening professional competencies in strategic areas such as:

• Implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda;

• Adherence to international standards (The Bangkok Rules);

• Psychosocial interventions for vulnerable groups;

• Stress management and professional resilience.

Svetlana Doltu, Director of AFI, moderated the sessions, consistently emphasizing the shared mission of creating an equitable detention environment. She highlighted the application of the WPS Agenda as a fundamental pillar in systemic reform.

Representing the project partners, Tatiana Chebac (Country Representative, BREN II) noted: "Gender equality is not just a concept, but a practical necessity for a modern system."

Alexandru Adam, Director of the NAP, confirmed the institution's progress: "While there was previously some reluctance regarding the employment of women in this field, today, many NAP departments are led by women. We encourage this advancement, and the materials developed in this project will be directly integrated into the NAP training curricula."

The working agenda featured specialized interventions aimed at providing practical solutions:

• The Bangkok Rules: Irina Barbîroș (Head of the NAP Medical Department) analyzed UN standards for the treatment of female prisoners, stressing that management must address gender-specific needs, such as adequate medical services and protection.

• Ethics and Safety: Ludmila Zghibarță (NAP) focused on the importance of a climate based on integrity and mutual respect—vital elements for preventing critical incidents.

• Psychosocial Support: Iuliana Curea (PA IRIS) coordinated sessions dedicated to managing sensitive cases and supporting individuals in vulnerable situations.

• Mental Health: Ana Zaharcenco (Head of the NAP Social Reintegration Department) provided concrete tools for stress management and burnout prevention, aiming to increase staff adaptability.

These training sessions are essential for aligning the penitentiary system of the Republic of Moldova with international best practices. By identifying practical solutions and developing educational resources that will remain within the NAP, the project contributes directly to the modernization of the institution's organizational culture.

This event was organized by PA "AFI" in partnership with PA "Step by Step, South Region" and the NAP, as part of the project "The Woman on Both Sides of the Bars: Between Equity and Resilience." The project is funded by a grant from the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), with support from the UK Government through the BREN II program.