The WAVE Network stands in solidarity with our Romanian members and all women and girls in Romania amid deeply concerning developments affecting their rights and safety. Following our 27th WAVE Conference in Bucharest (September 22–23, 2025), WAVE voices its concern over proposed institutional changes that could undermine decades of progress in protecting women from violence.

The Romanian Government’s plan to merge the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (ANES) with the National Agency against Trafficking in Persons (ANITP) risks weakening specialised mechanisms for gender equality and violence prevention. WAVE echoes the concerns of its Romanian member organisations, who have called for transparent, genuine consultation with women’s rights experts and civil society before moving forward with any reforms.

Across Europe, feminist organisations face shrinking civic space and rising anti-rights narratives. As seen in Georgia and elsewhere, administrative reforms can quickly escalate into systemic dismantling of gender equality frameworks. WAVE calls on the Romanian Government to ensure institutional stability, uphold its obligations under the Istanbul Convention and EU directives, and prioritise women’s safety in all decision-making.

WAVE stands firmly behind its Romanian members and recognises their local expertise, experience, and leadership as essential to shaping effective policy. Their voices must not only be heard but meaningfully integrated into all processes impacting women’s rights and safety.

Feminist solidarity is our strength. Collective action is our strategy. Women’s liberation is our goal.

Read our full statement here.

Sincerely,
The WAVE Network