More than 70 women from central and northern districts of Moldova will be involved in a series of activities, including roundtable meetings, seminars and debates, within a project aimed at promoting gender equality that is implemented by the public association “Honor and Rights of the Contemporary Woman” . The women will be assisted by specialists in communication and psychologists and will be taught different techniques. They will also be encouraged to become more actively involved in the social, political and economic life. Mobile teams will travel to settlements to discuss with the women and with men too so as to convince these to support the women.
In a news conference at IPN on May 15, the Association’s head Olga Patlati said it is important to promote the women’s involvement in social, economic and political activities. Their participation in the decision-making process at the local, regional and national levels must also be promoted. The women should be encouraged and helped to run in the local elections. The active involvement in the mentioned areas depends on the decision makers’ attitude to the gender equality policy. “The people who will be made aware of gender equality will realize the importance of the women’s involvement in the life of society,” stated Olga Patlati.
Another member of the association, ex-MP Zoia Jalba said the normative framework concerning gender equality is good, but the process of implementing it is very slow. “According to the latest statistical data, the women occupy less than one third of the executive posts. We realize the situation as the process of increasing the women’s presence in the economic area and, especially, in the political sphere is very slow,” she stated.
Project expert Laurentia Filipschi said training seminars will be held to teach the women communication techniques and how to react in different situations. These will be helped to develop oratorical and leadership skills and will have meetings with successful women, party leaders, MPs and other persons.
The project “Gender equality – chance to develop democracy in Moldova” is financially supported by the U.S. Embassy and is implemented by “Honor and Rights of the Contemporary Woman”, in partnership with the public association “Gender-Centru” and the International Center for Advancement of Women in Business.
