Last updated November 2008
National Plan: Romania
In the past seven years, Romania has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating gender-based violence and discrimination. Various national strategies have been implemented to address issues ranging from equality in the workplace to an awareness campaign about human trafficking. It is vitally important that Romania ensure these positive developments are enforced and properly supported.
National Strategy to Combat Violence against Women
In 2006, Romania established a National Strategy that would take place over two years. This plan was implemented as part of the Council of Europe’s Campaign to Combat Violence against Women. The National Agency for Family Protection and the Ministry of Labor, Family and Equal Opportunities are responsible for running the national campaign. Romania’s National Strategy involves numerous steps that will contribute to the country’s ability to identify, prevent and combat gender-based violence. Specifically, the National Strategy seeks to amend laws to provide further protection for women, raise awareness of the effects of violence against women and monitor and collect data on the prevalence of gender-based violence. As part of the campaign, the National Agency for Family Protection has increased the number of care centers for survivors of gender-based violence.
For more information visit:
http://www.coe.int/t/dg2/equality/domesticviolencecampaign/countryinformationpages/romania/NationalReport_en.asp#TopOfPage
National Strategy against Trafficking in Persons
In December 2005, Romania created a National Agency against Trafficking in Persons. This agency has a number of objectives, which include the creation of a database on trafficking cases, public awareness campaigns, establishment of national standards and publication of annual reports. Although the Agency was created under the auspices of the Ministry of Administration and Interior, it has expressed a desire to work with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to achieve their goals.
http://anitp.mai.gov.ro/en/?zone=prezentare
Sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination
The Romanian government amended the law on equal opportunities for men and women in February 2005. This law was passed under Ordinance No. 84. In this law, discrimination is defined in terms of the workplace, access to education and healthcare and participation in society and political life. Sexual harassment in the workplace is against the law and a perpetrator may be subject to steep fines. Employers are required to notify their employees that sexual harassment will not be tolerated. As a complement to this law, the Romanian government established a National Agency for Equal Opportunities for Men and Women (ANES). This agency seeks to promote principles of gender equality and works to update government policies in this area. The agency also brings Romania one step closer to being in accordance with European Union regulations.
http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/eiro/2005/06/feature/ro0506102f.htm
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/wom1564.doc.htm