©Natalia Garbu, Summer kitchens in villages in the Republic of Moldova are traditional outdoor cooking spaces separate from the main house, typically used during the summer months to avoid heating up the living areas.

©Natalia Garbu, In autumn, female labor plays a crucial role in grape harvesting in Moldova, with women actively participating in the vineyards, contributing to the labor-intensive process that is essential for the country’s wine production.

©Natalia Garbu, The Republic of Moldova faces challenges related to patriarchy, impacting gender equality and women’s rights in various aspects of society.

©Natalia Garbu, Ecology in Moldova faces challenges like deforestation and water pollution

©Natalia Garbu, In villages in Moldova, motherhood is often seen as a central part of life, and grandparents are actively involved in raising and educating their grandchildren.

©Natalia Garbu,Moldovan rural houses typically feature traditional clay or brick construction, with lowpitched roofs, reflecting a blend of simplicity, functionality, and cultural heritage

©Natalia Garbu, Orthodoxy is a prevalent influence on culture and community life, with the Eastern Orthodox Church serving as a central aspect of religious practice and tradition for the majority of the population.

©Natalia Garbu, Rural women in Moldova navigate a multifaceted life, balancing agricultural responsibilities, household duties, and community involvement while embodying resilience and contributing significantly to the rural society.

©Natalia Garbu, “Общепит”, which refers to public catering establishments, remains a visible remnant of the Soviet Union in the Republic of Moldova, with many cafeterias and canteens reflecting the culinary and social influences of that era, providing affordable meals to the public .

©Natalia Garbu, Children in the villages of the Republic of Moldova often experience a unique upbringing shaped by rural traditions, close-knit communities, and a connection to nature, where they engage in activities such as helping with agricultural tasks,

©Natalia Garbu, In the context of the war in Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, situated geographically close to the conflict zone, faces challenges related to security concerns, refugee flows, and potential impacts on regional stability, highlighting the interconnectedness of geopolitical events in the Eastern European region.

©Natalia Garbu, In the rural areas of the Republic of Moldova, girls and boys are often actively involved in household tasks from a young age, with responsibilities divided based on traditional gender roles. Girls typically help with activities such as cooking, cleaning, caring for younger siblings, and tending to domestic chores, while boys are more commonly assigned tasks related to outdoor work, livestock care, and heavier labor tasks. Women’s

©Natalia Garbu, Women’s equality in the Republic of Moldova remains a work in progress, with ongoing efforts focused on addressing gender disparities, promoting women’s rights, and enhancing opportunities for female empowerment across various sectors of society.

©Natalia Garbu, a traditional assortment of appetizers, pickles, cheese, and vegetables served as a side dish or snack, enjoyed after a field trip.

©Natalia Garbu