During the COVID-19 pandemic, the women have borne the largest part of the burden. Given the ageing population in the Republic of Moldova and a support system that is often defective, the women are those who care both for older persons and for the youngest children of the family. The women try to combine paid work and unpaid work. These combined roles have a negative effect on the emotional state and health of women. The women of median age are the most affected and most stressed and all these factors contribute to a decline in the fertility rate in the country, Nigina Abaszada, UNFPA Moldova Resident Representative, said in her opening remarks in discussions that centered on the role of the private sector in supporting families, which were hosted by the UNFPA, IPN reports.
Studies show that women want to have two-three children, but the fertility rate rises to 1.5-1.7 at the most. “There are signals in society that the women cannot materialize their intentions and are forced to form part of the current generation and to combine the role of caregiver and career building and studies. A lot is to be done as regards policies, stigmatization even if we look at things optimistically,” stated Nigina Abaszada.
The family is the vital cell of society. It is at the core of the social life and the woman ensures the welfare of its members and takes care of the older persons, persons with disabilities and with special needs. A number of aspects related to the strengthening of relations in the family and between generations have changed the past few years. Owing to the pandemic, a number of legislative acts were adjusted so as to enable the persons to work from a distance and to have a flexible work program, said secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection Vasile Cuşca.
Speaking about the family-friendly workplace policies, human resources director at Premier Energy Distribution Iurie Hăruţa said they devote special attention to the continuous development of employees and the balancing of their personal life and professional life. The internal policies imply equity, nondiscrimination, equality of chances and a permanent dialogue with employees. For example, 27% of their employees are women and 34% of their managers are females. These are rather good indicators as the activities in the energy sector primarily involve men.
Elena Ţîbîrnă, director general of the National House of Social Insurance, said the child benefit paid for children younger than three in 2015 was asked by 94% of mothers and only 5% of fathers, as opposed to 84% and, respectively, 15% in 2020. The paternity allowance is a relatively new service that was introduced in November 2016. In 2019, this allowance was paid to 3,940 fathers - 12 fathers per 100 children, as against 14 fathers per 100 children in 2020. In other countries, this figure is much higher, of even 55 fathers per 100 newborns.
The event was held in connection with the International Day of Families.
