The women’s access to training is limited. They are discriminated by employers and encounter more difficulties in finding a job. The women from rural areas are in a more unfavorable situation than those from urban areas. Therefore, UNIFEM in concert with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family Thursday launched the Economic Empowerment of Women by Increasing Employment Opportunities Program that aims to create development possibilities for women, Info-Prim Neo reports. UNIFEM representative and program manager Corneliu Eftodi said that after the program is implemented, the women will have access not only to information about employment, but also increased access to social protection, the labor market being open especially to women. The program envisions the opening of Joint Information and Services Offices in 28 districts. Through them the women will be informed about the employment opportunities. Under a pilot project, such offices will be initially set up in the districts of Sangerei, Nisporeni, Telenesti, and Cantemir. The Joint Information and Services Office will also provide consultancy services in business, agriculture, and social protection, said Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family Sergiu Sainciuc. UNIFEM gender consultant Ulziisuren Jamsaran said the program will contribute to the development of women, especially those from rural areas. The participation of women is important not only in politics. They should be mainly engaged in economic activities. The state must be responsible for the protection of women, reproductive health and the women’s participation in social activities, said Swedish Ambassador to Moldova Ingrid Tersman. It was stressed that the legislation on labor and social protection should be reviewed so as to remove the obstacles hindering employment in certain sectors. The Economic Empowerment of Women by Increasing Employment Opportunities Program was launched by UNIFEM in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family. It will be implemented during three years starting with this year.