Project launched to increase women’s participation in governance and economic development in Moldova
On 4 October 2024, UN Women Moldova launched the project “Strengthening Peace and Prosperity through Women’s Leadership and Inclusion.” The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and funded by the Swiss Cooperation Office (SDC). It will be carried out over four years (2024–2028) and has an estimated total budget of $8.89 million USD.
The project focuses on two key objectives. The first objective aims to enhance women's involvement in governance and peacebuilding processes. It seeks to increase women's participation in decision-making processes at the local and national levels, recognizing their critical role in building equitable and resilient communities. Under this objective, local public authorities will receive support to strengthen their capacities in developing and implementing gender-sensitive policies in collaboration with women’s organizations and civil society.
A mentoring programme will also be implemented to support local women leaders, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including refugees. It will enhance their involvement in decision-making, thus fostering dialogue and social cohesion. The project will also support local initiatives to foster trust between communities on both sides of the Dniester River, including UTA Gagauzia, focusing on increasing women’s meaningful participation in peace and development decisions. These activities are essential, as women's active involvement in peace and security processes contributes to creating an inclusive society where all voices are heard and respected.
The project’s second objective focuses on ensuring women's access to sustainable economic opportunities by facilitating access to decent jobs and competitive economic prospects. The project will promote partnerships with national institutions to develop a conducive ecosystem for female entrepreneurship, encouraging cooperation among relevant actors and providing direct support to women-led businesses to grow and integrate into value chains and access financial resources. The project will also implement innovative childcare solutions, facilitating a smoother and quicker reintegration of women into the workforce, as well as initiatives that promote equal pay for work of equal value. These measures will contribute to local economic growth and improve living conditions in communities.
“Moldova is progressing, but there is still much to be done,” said Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova, in his opening remarks at the official launch event. “Through this joint programme, we aim to intervene across multiple areas to ensure that women in Moldova, including refugees from Ukraine, achieve economic independence and acquire the skills needed to access better-paid jobs. The Swiss Cooperation Office is committed to economic development, employment and governance, with a well-defined gender dimension. We are confident that, through this joint partnership, we will make a significant impact and support women in realizing their full potential.”
Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women’s Country Representative in Moldova, emphasized that greater representation of women in governance and peacebuilding is needed. “This goal can be achieved through effective collaboration on both sides of the Dniester River by promoting gender-sensitive governance and developing participatory policies,” she explained. “In the area of economic empowerment, a gender-sensitive legislative and social framework is needed, along with improved access to childcare services. Additionally, addressing the gender pay gap and supporting women-led businesses, including for refugee women, are crucial for sustainable development. This project reflects our shared belief that gender equality is a prerequisite for peace, security and inclusive growth.”
Claire Harasty, Director of the ILO Office for Central and Eastern Europe, noted that women's labour market participation in Moldova remains below optimal levels and that women with childcare responsibilities face numerous barriers when trying to enter or re-enter the labour market. “Women earn 11 to 15 per cent less than men, with an even wider gap for women aged 25 to 34,” she said. “The newly launched project will help improve the economic situation of thousands of women by creating quality jobs in the childcare sector. It will also support the empowerment of women entrepreneurs, thus laying the foundation for long-term sustainability.”
The “Strengthening Peace and Prosperity through Women’s Leadership and Inclusion” project will be implemented in close collaboration with local and central authorities, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to promote gender equality policies and ensure sustainable economic development. The project aims to build an inclusive society where women from all regions, including those from marginalized groups, play an active role in shaping the future. It will help foster united and resilient communities while encouraging sustainable development and peace in the region.
