The introduction of a minimum women’s representation quota of 40% for the lists of candidates for seats in the Government and Parliament is necessary in the current conditions, representatives of civil society said in the program “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel, IPN reports.

Ecaterina Mardarovici, executive director of the Women’s Political Club, said that if such a quota is not introduced, a number of feminist parties and organizations could appear in Moldova at a time when statistics show that more women want to become involved in politics, but there are stereotypes that discriminate against them. “We are in the 21st century and lag behind in ensuring democracy. Gender equality actually shows the level of democratization of a country,” she stated.

Ludmila Scalnyi, head of the Association of Women of Moldova, in the same program said the women are discriminated when the lists of electoral candidates are compiled. The number of women in these lists is sufficient, but they come after number 40 and thus have no chance to enter Parliament. It should be provided that an equal number of women and men must be included in the first part of the list of electoral candidates,” she noted.

Sergiu Ostaf, director of the Resource Center for Human Rights (CReDO), is also for the more active involvement of women in the political life. He said that the four women ministers in the Leanca Government represent models for men. “These women made fewer mistakes than the men ministers. In particular areas, such as culture, social protection and education, the women ministers do better than men. Natalia Gherman’s successes at foreign level show that the women can be efficient in the post of foreign minister,” he stated.

The permanent invitee of “Fabrika” Cristian Tabara considers that for a political career, not gender is important, but the person’s competence. “I think the problem of more active involvement of women in politics can be solved not by legislation, but by education and by destroying stereotypes,” he said.

During the last few years, the representatives of civil society called on the MPs to adopt legislative changes to introduce a minimum women’s representation quota of 40% for the lists of candidates for posts in the Government and Parliament. Several relevant bills have been submitted to Parliament.

Currently, women represent slightly over 18% of the lawmakers and 21% of the employees in the local public administration.