Moldova has made a lot of progress lately, with a series of legislative initiatives in the field of gender equality being approved. The number of women in managerial positions is increasing. The number of women who became MPs, members of the Government and dignitaries doubled. But women continue to earn less than men, with the pay gap standing at 13.6%. And whereas last year progress was made in the field of the labor market, things regressed in terms of perceptions and stereotypes regarding the role of women in society. The findings are contained in the 2023 Gender Equality Index survey, which was presented on March 8 by the Partnership for Development Center (CPD).
Alina Andronache, policy analyst at CPD, told a press conference on Wednesday that the level of equality is calculated from 0 to 100. The closer the number is to 100, the higher the level of equality. “The index is calculated based on 30 indicators in six key areas such as: labor market, politics, education, health, access to resources, stereotypes and prejudices. This year the values show us that the equality index decreased by one point compared to the previous year. And the biggest question is: How is this possible, considering that in the last two years Moldova has made more progress in the field of gender equality, approving important laws?”, noted Alina Andronache.
Alexandra Ermolenco, program coordinator at CPD, mentioned that the labor market is one of the two areas in which progress was registered compared to the previous year. In particular, the labor market has become fairer towards women, with the index rising to 56 from 55 points in 2022. “The progress recorded is largely related to three factors. The first – we found that more women started to work in fields considered masculine. The second is that the share of women in decision-making positions has increased. And the third factor – we found that women are becoming more present in the informal sector”, explained Alexandra Ermolenco.
In terms of health, the level of gender equality decreased from 66 points last year to 65 points this year. The overall mortality rate increased by two percentage points, one of the reasons being the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “An analysis of causes of death indicates a higher mortality rate among men. The biggest inequalities were in deaths caused by assaults and homicides – 8.73 more than women and accidents, poisoning and injuries – 7.25 more often experienced by men than women. Men are usually involved in heavier work and are more at risk. Another reason is that the rate of men seeking medical help is quite low”, said Alexandra Ermolenco.
CDP director Natalia Covrig said that the most significant regression was registered in the field of perceptions and stereotypes, namely those related to the role of women and men in society. “In particular, the population’s perceptions of women’s involvement in politics and decision-making processes have worsened. Whereas, starting from 2009, the data showed that 32% of the population considered that women are less capable and could not hold management positions, then in 2021 this figure dropped to 12%”, the expert noted. But in 2022 there was a break and suddenly the share of those who believe that women should not be present in politics and would not be capable enough for leadership positions increases.
