Sweden’s Ambassador to Moldova Signe Burgstaller considers that by gender equality programs more women can be included in the country’s political and economic sectors, which would be to the benefit of the whole society because the women can be considered real ‘unused resources’. In an interview for Radio Free Europe, the official said that particular progress was made during the last 20 years and gender equality for the Swedish embassy is a priority that is promoted through gender equality programs, alongside other international organizations and civil society in Moldova, IPN reports.

“In Sweden, the ministries in the government are practically equally distributed between women and men. In Parliament, there are about 40% or more women. It’s good to have more women in politics. We must promote gender equality by offering leave for caring for children divided equally between parents so that the responsibilities are shared by the mother and father,” said the diplomat.

Asked if gender equality can be imposed by law or should be introduced gradually, according to the development pace of society, Signe Burgstaller said both of the components are needed. “I don’t think there is a country in the world that reached perfect gender equality, but we must all aspire to this. The legislation is necessary. By different measures from the upper level, the adopted laws and regulations are being implemented. But the initiative must also come from the grassroots, civil society, which plays an important role in promoting different changes in society,” stated the ambassador.

The diplomat added that gender equality envisions better representation of women in politics, both at local and national levels. In Moldova, there is a solid platform of organizations that promote gender equality and that indeed could make a difference in the popularization of these values, but these organizations need support at legislative level, at the level of rules and laws.