Moldova undertook important international commitment as regards the observance of human rights and the problem of gender equality is a very important one from the human rights perspective. If the legislation on equality of chances approved by Moldova is not appropriately implemented, there is a risk that the women will be represented unequally in the political life and in the new Parliament, considers the head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Moldova, counselor Henrik Huitfeldt, IPN reports.

According to Henrik Huitfeldt, the legislation on the equality of chances ensures equal rights and possibilities of participating in the decisional and political processes. The number of women in the current Parliament is limited and the unequal representation can continue if the legislative body does not take steps to increase the women’s representation in the political life. “We know that one of the measures proposed by the Government is to impose a women’s representation quota and we know the voting methods used in the elections. As a result of unequal participation in elections, the level of female participation will be lower,” he stated.

He noted that the practice of seven European states that introduced women’s political representation quotas showed that this is a useful mechanism that enables to increase the number of women taking part in the decision-making process.

According to Henrik Huitfeldt, it is encouraging that intense discussions on the introduction of a women’s representation quota have been held in Moldova during a year. Also, besides the legislative initiatives proposed by two large parties, the opposition party – the PCRM – is also interested in promoting women in politics.

“The opinions about the introduction of this representation quota are not equal. Given such a situation, the adoption of legal framework for promoting a quota is an important and necessary step. It is also important to understand that these actions must be taken now. Moldova must not miss this only chance to adopt such legislation. We can fail and wait for another four years. The legislative documents on the women’s representation must be passed immediately,” stated the Swedish Embassy’s counselor.

He added that if the MPs do not vote to introduce a women’s political representation quota, it will be clear that that opportunity of achieving the goal will be missed and the women will be in the minority in the future legislature too. A negative effect of such a situation is that the women and men in the future will not have the same power to influence decisions that can affect their lives.