Angelina Zaporojan-Pîrgari studied at the USM, Faculty of Law and is a Master in Law of the European Program in the field of human rights and democracies from Venice, specializing in the field of human rights and advocacy for the promotion of women’s rights, with an experience of over 20 year old. She was part of the group of European experts that contributed to the drafting of the text of The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence in Strasbourg, France during 2009-2011.
Angelina Zaporojan-Pîrgari is the founder of WLC, which in 2009 had the vision of creating an organization of women and for women to promote and defend women’s rights to a life without violence in Moldova. In the period 2009-2017 she was the President of WLC, during which the organization grew from a simple vision to a sustainable organization with a team of 8 people and vibrant projects. Among the main achievements of the WLC during the presidency of Angelina Zaporojan-Pîrgari are: the analysis and monitoring of the national legislative framework and the elaboration of legislative amendments in accordance with the provisions of the CAHVIO, in particular the introduction of the emergency restriction order and the introduction of the criminal penalty for violating the protection order, the elaboration the National Strategy in the field; the development of the first national curriculum in the field of effective response to cases of family violence by the police and the judicial system and the implementation of the first trainings of these specialists to transform stereotypes in the field of gender equality; the development of pioneering studies in the field such as IMAGES – Men and Gender Equality in Moldova 2015 and the Evaluation of the Costs of Violence in the Family and Gender-Based Violence in Moldova 2016, was the basis for the establishment of the National Coalition “Life without violence in the family”.
The most important of the achievements being implemented within the WLC of the concept of a holistic approach, based on the rights of the victim, offering support to women subjected to domestic violence and their children, so that women benefit from legal advice, legal representation, social, psychological, economic assistance and holistic.
Motto: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Email: angelina.zaporojan@cdf.md
I have been advocating for women’s rights for two decades, I have been active in international organizations: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, OSCE Mission to Moldova, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) etc. The knowledge and experience gained allow me to contribute to the promotion and protection of women’s rights, to the reduction of the phenomenon of domestic violence.
I am passionate about what I do at the Women’s Law Centre, a strong and vibrant organization founded by women and for women. We set out to offer the women of the Republic of Moldova that high degree of protection and safety that women in other countries enjoy, turning Moldova into a better place.
Motto: “Be yourself the change you want to see in the world.”
Email: eleonora.grosu@cdf.md
Viorica Ursachi graduated from the Faculty of Letters, specializing in Applied Modern Languages at Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, and the Faculty of Law at the State University of Moldova. She pursued her master’s studies in Public Law at the Academy of Public Administration. She has worked on various projects implemented by USAID and the European Union Delegation, the latter focusing on aligning the legislation of the Republic of Moldova with EU legislation and implementing the Association Agreement.
She joined the Women’s Law Centre in June 2020 and has since been responsible for implementing the IMPULS Small Grants Program and managing several projects related to combating family violence and the economic empowerment of women.
Motto: “Sometimes you have success…and other times you learn.”
Email: viorica.ursachi@cdf.md
Daniela Josanu graduated from the Faculty of Law at the State University of Moldova. She then pursued a master’s program specializing in Criminal Procedural Law. For 7 years, she has been actively involved in the field of human rights protection from a non-governmental perspective. Throughout this time, she has participated in projects focused on ensuring child-friendly justice within criminal proceedings and preventing family violence. Since 2016, she has been a part of the Women’s Law Centre team. Daniela assists victims of family violence in obtaining protection, guiding them to access the necessary legal and psychological support.
Motto: “If I can change something, I can only do it by my own example.”
Email: daniela.josanu@cdf.md
Nicoleta Cocoță is a graduate of the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economics at the State University of Moldova. She then pursued a master’s program in Human Resources Management. For nearly 10 years, alongside her main job, she has been involved in various social and cultural projects.
Altruism and a sense of duty have motivated her to get involved with the Women’s Law Centre as a specialized legal assistant, providing help and support for victims of family violence. Currently, she is putting all her efforts into combating domestic and gender-based violence, firmly believing that a democratic and civilized society cannot exist where violence and discrimination persist.
Motto: “Nothing is accidental, coincidental, or a coincidence! Everything that happens to us has a well-defined purpose.”
Email: nicoleta.cocota@cdf.md
Olga Sturza graduated from the Finance Faculty at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM). To gain a better understanding of the financial field, she chose to pursue a Master’s degree in Financial Analysis and Forecasting in Entrepreneurial Activity. Previously, she worked at the Master School of Excellence in Economics and Business at ASEM, and she has been active in the Women’s Law Centre since November 2014. The development of budgets and financial reports is fascinating for those who love numbers.
Motto: “It doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.”
Email: olga.sturza@cdf.md
Originally graduated in International Relations, Political, and Administrative Sciences at the State University of Moldova, Victoria decided to reorient herself after completing courses at the Entrepreneurial Training Center within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She has accumulated experience in the administrative field, basic accounting, procurement, and HR within various foreign-owned enterprises, as well as in projects financially supported by MCA Moldova and OSCE/ODIHR.
Motto: “Strive to be a person of value rather than necessarily a person of success.”
Email: victoria.sofian@cdf.md
Evelina Pîrău-Namesnic graduated from the Faculty of International Relations, Political Science, and Journalism at the Free International University of Moldova. She then pursued a master’s program in Media Management, Online Marketing, and Business Communication. During her studies, she had the opportunity to gain experience at the Center for Investigative Journalism in the Republic of Moldova.
Within the Women’s Law Centre, she is confident that she will be able to meet new challenges as she is a proactive individual with communication skills, responsibility, flexibility, and advanced learning capacity.
Motto: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Email: evelina.pirau@cdf.md
Tatiana Timotin graduated from the Faculty of Psychology at the State University of Moldova. She pursued her master’s studies in Business Administration at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova. With 20 years of work experience in the social field, she has contributed to the socio-professional reintegration and economic empowerment of disadvantaged individuals. The Women’s Law Centre has given her a new breath and inspiration to take on new challenges in assisting victims of family violence.
Motto: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving forward.”
Email: tatiana.timotin@cdf.md
Lilia Borzin-Rotari holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Social Work from “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași, Romania; master’s studies in Social Policies at the State University of Moldova; specialization and training in the provision and supervision of social services, among others.
With 15 years of experience in Non-Governmental and International Organizations, she has been involved in various projects related to child protection, migration, anti-trafficking, refugees, as well as the prevention and combat of family violence. She possesses a good understanding of local cooperation in these areas, being engaged in training and team strengthening activities, network creation, and the development and implementation of assistance and protection standards for these vulnerable categories.
Within WLC, she provides assistance to victims of family violence, offering guidance, counseling, and support, aiming for women to recover, find life strategies adapted to their context, overcome the difficulties they face, and improve their quality of life.
Motto: “The sun agrees to pass even through small windows.” – Frederik van Eeden
Email: lilia.borzin@cdf.md
Aurelia Gorea is a psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in Jungian therapy and psychoanalytic therapy. She completed her studies at the State University of Moldova, the Institute of Practical Psychology and Psychoanalysis, and the Association of Analytical Psychology in Moscow. She is also undergoing ongoing training in Internal Family Systems therapy.
Within the Women’s Law Centre, Aurelia provides psychological counseling and psychotherapy to women suffering from family violence. Violence against women is a societal issue, and many women find themselves in a vicious cycle, sometimes losing hope for a way out. When supported to make the necessary changes, healing and transformation become possible, allowing them to look forward with confidence rather than fear. Alongside her colleagues, Aurelia helps women regain peace, emotional balance, self-confidence, and trust in themselves and the future, enabling them to build a life they can enjoy.
Motto: “Change is possible; it’s important to take the first step.”
Email: aurelia.gorea@cdf.md
