Moldova Defies the Trend as Men Continue to Dominate Politics Worldwide in 2025
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New data on women’s representation in politics show how men are overrepresented in decision-making worldwide, revealing limited progress in achieving gender equality in political leadership. The data is reflected in the 2025 edition of the “Women in politics” map, created by UN Women and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), and presents the latest rankings of women in executive positions and national parliaments as of 1 January 2025. Compared to global trends, the Republic of Moldova demonstrates significant progress toward gender equality in decision-making.
The year 2025 marks an important year in the efforts towards gender equality, with the 30-year anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. While progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, the Women in Politics Map highlights a concerning reality - gender equality is facing setbacks worldwide.
Moldova Increases Women’s Representation in Government as Global Numbers Decline
As of 1 January 2025, the proportion of women heading ministries decreased to 22.9 per cent worldwide, down from 23.3 per cent a year earlier. Only nine countries, predominantly in Europe, have achieved gender-equal cabinets, with 50 per cent or more women holding cabinet positions as heads of ministries.
Moldova, however, stands out as an exception to this negative trend. Following a government reshuffle in 2024 and the new appointment of Doina Nistor as Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, the number of women ministers now represents 40 percent of all cabinet heads. This marks a significant increase from 2020, when women held just 25 percent of ministerial positions. Moldova’s progress reflects a steady path toward gender parity in government leadership.
The Moldovan government also defies global trends in ministerial appointments. While women worldwide are still primarily assigned to portfolios related to gender equality, social affairs, and human rights - while sectors like foreign affairs, finance, and defense remain male-dominated - Moldova presents a different picture. Women currently hold key ministerial positions in Justice, Internal Affairs, Finance, Health, and Agriculture and Food Industry, reflecting a more balanced and inclusive approach to leadership across critical policy areas.1
Obstacles and Violence Remain as Women’s Representation in Moldovan Parliament Remains High
On a global level, women representation in parliament reached an average of 27.2% in 2025 according to the UN Women and IPU Report. Here as well, Moldova stands out as a positive example. After the 2021 elections, women’s representation in the Moldovan Parliament reached 40%, where it has remained since. As Moldova prepares for parliamentary elections this year, it remains to be seen whether this progress will be further advanced.
While women’s representation in executive positions and parliament remain above the global average, studies show that women politicians in Moldova continue to face significant obstacles. A study conducted in 2023 revealed how 38.6% of respondents would rather see a man as a president, and 29% would rather see a man as a member of parliament.2 Furthermore, frequent attacks on female candidates of the 2024 presidential election were reported, together with the use of discriminatory language and perpetuation of gender stereotypes in public debates.3 These reports underscore the need for stronger protection and a more inclusive political environment.
The new IPU–UN Women “Women in politics” map was presented in New York during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the largest UN gathering on gender equality.
1Cabinet of Ministers, the Government of Moldova
3 Raport de monitorizare a discursului și comportamentului sexist în mass-media din Republica Moldova