Moldova at CSW69: Advancing Gender Equality on the Global Stage

The 69th Session on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) was a milestone moment for women’s rights, and successfully concluded on Friday, March 21st in New York. The UN’s largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment brought together over 120 national ministerial delegations and 5,845 civil society representatives to review progress on implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA) and assess the current challenges to achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women.

"This year marks three decades since BPFA set a bold course for advancing gender equality. Over the years, significant progress has been made in empowering women, yet much work remains. We continue to face setbacks and resistance, with growing inequalities threatening to undo important progress. Now more than ever, the world must stand united in making decisive commitments to safeguard the rights of women and girls everywhere", said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative.

The Republic of Moldova was represented at the 69CSW by Doina Gherman, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Viorica Tîmbalari, General Director of the National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (ANPCV) and Felicia Bechtoldt, State Secretary within the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. Valentina Bodrug, President of the non-governmental organization (NGO) “Gender Centru” and member of the Platform for Gender Equality and Elena Sirbu, president of NGO Romni, attended on behalf of the Civil Society. The delegation attended the Ministerial dialogue, hosted and co-hosted a number of side events, as well as organized several bilateral meetings.

Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection, spoke about the efforts to achieve gender equality in Moldova by saying “For the Republic of Moldova, gender equality is more than an aspiration, it is a national priority, a core European value, and a key driver of social and economic development. Our unwavering commitment to gender equality is deeply embedded in our EU integration process, aligning with the Beijing Declaration, the Istanbul Convention, and the National Development Strategy “European Moldova 2030” to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Beyond aligning our policies with international standards, we are dedicated to making gender equality a lived reality for all women and girls in the Republic of Moldova.”

During the CSW69, the Moldovan Delegation took an active role in advocating the adoption of a political declaration that commits to respect, protect and promote rights, equality and empowerment for all women and girls. The declaration, which governments adopted by consensus, reaffirms the commitments of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, stressing the need to uphold all human rights and fundamental freedoms for every woman and girl, without exception.

The Political Declaration reaffirms the commitments made 30 years ago, underscoring the urgent need to uphold the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all women and girls. It serves as a crucial steppingstone toward ensuring that 2025 becomes a defining moment for global action and unity. Sima Bahous, UN Women Executive Director, spoke about the declaration saying "We must continue to examine every decision, every investment, every policy and more, to align it with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and this Political Declaration. The Beijing+30 Action Agenda also serves as a practical guide to potential priorities in 2025 and beyond."

“At the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women, we witnessed a strong community of states standing guard over democracy and freedom. The Republic of Moldova rightfully belongs among them. Our country is not a spectator but an active fighter for equity,” said Doina Gherman, Vice President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova regarding the Moldovan Delegation's participation in New York. “It is a privilege to learn from the experiences of other countries. Together, we can build a future where respect, dignity, and security are guaranteed for all.”

Speaking at the CSW69, Felicia Bechtoldt, State Secretary within the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, said “Achieving gender equality is not an easy task. At times, we face setbacks, and progress may seem slow. However, what truly makes a difference is how we support each other on this journey. When we unite – governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector – we become a powerful force capable of overcoming challenges. I strongly believe that through our collective determination, solidarity, and compassion, we can create the future we desire – a future where everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities.”

Valentina Bodrug, President of the NGO “Gender Centru” and member of the Platform for Gender Equality, said about her participation “This year, the CSW69 session addressed progress and emerging challenges in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on its 30th anniversary. Spaces were created for presentations by governments and international structures, as well as civil society. On behalf of the Republic of Moldova, I had the honor of presenting the experience of the Platform for Gender Equality regarding the implementation of the Gender Monitor tool, the activities of the Gender Task Force, supported by UN Women Moldova, among others. As a member of the UN Women Europe and Central Asia Beijing+30 Civil Society Steering Committee, I advocated for the outcomes of public consultations with NGOs from the region on the implementation of the Beijing+30 Declaration and Platform for Action.”

During the CSW69, the Republic of Moldova organized and participated in a number of side events. UN Women co-organized an event with the Governments of Moldova and Sweden on Institutional Mechanisms to Prevent and Combat Violence against Women and Girls and supported side events on promoting Gender Equality in Eastern Europe.