From Where I Stand: “The gender equality advocates in Moldova have proven just how much can be achieved when we stand together.”
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This International Day of Women in Diplomacy, we share the reflections of H.E. Katarina Fried, Sweden's Ambassador to Moldova between 2022 and 2025. As a strategic partner to UN Women, Sweden plays an instrumental role in advancing gender equality and women’s rights in Moldova. A true gender equality advocate, H.E. Fried has been a key advocate and driving force behind these efforts. As H.E. Fried is leaving Moldova in June 2025, we dedicate this day to her.
H.E. Katarina Fried, Sweden's Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova, Moldova at the event “#HerJourney in Moldova”, marking International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025 Photo credit: UN Women Moldova/Stela Donţu
““Throughout my diplomatic career, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and human rights have been central to my work. This commitment has been a consistent thread across every posting, from my early days as a diplomat in New York to my recent assignment in the Republic of Moldova.
In Moldova, I observed a strong and dedicated community actively working to advance gender equality. UN Women, the Moldovan Government and Parliament, and civil society organizations all demonstrated strong engagement and a clear understanding of how to drive progress at the national level. The gender equality advocates in Moldova have proven just how much can be achieved when we stand together.
When I arrived in Moldova in 2022, the country ranked 24th on the Global Gender Gap Index. Just weeks ago, Moldova climbed to an impressive 7th place, positioning it just behind Sweden. Being part of this journey has been really rewarding; it's a powerful testament to what can be achieved when we collaborate and work towards a common goal.
If I would give one piece of advice, it would be to be this: be kind to one another. Don’t focus too much on minor differences, because we need each other to move forward. You need to have friends, and friendships can also be built when people are not perfectly aligned. Be forgiving and unite with each other. This is especially important among women. In a social media landscape that can often be harsh and mean, we need to choose a different way of interacting with each other. Unite, and nothing can stop you.
After leaving Moldova, I will return to New York as Ambassador to the UN Economic and Social Council, focusing on the development aspects of the UN system. I'm looking forward to integrating the practical lessons learned from this country-level experience into global initiatives within the UN framework. I will always carry Moldova with me, both in my work and my heart.”
The Embassy of Sweden is a strategic partner to UN Women Moldova and has been instrumental in UN Women’s achievements in advancing women’s political participation, economic empowerment, ending violence against women and girls, and advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Thanks to the support of Sweden, thousands of women and girls in Moldova have been empowered.