The Republic of Moldova is not in the worst situation as regards the women’s access to power. Furthermore, in Moldova civil society is very active and there are woman holding responsible posts who are ready to fight for their rights. This means that there is a potential chance for change, executive director of the Central and Eastern European Network for Gender Issues Sonja Lokar stated in an interview for Radio Free Europe, IPN reports.

According to her, nowhere in the world the changes related to the women’s access to power came out of the blue. A lot of work is needed, especially on the part of women in politics, who are often ridiculed, marginalized or even rejected. “I noticed a phenomenon: in the former Socialist countries, during transition to democracy, the subject of gender equality was neglected and women lost all the rights that they had during socialism: in health, education, employment, child protection, etc. All these rights were guaranteed in socialism, while in democracy were brought into question,” said Sonja Lokar.

She also said that the quota of 40% representation of women on party lists adopted by Parliament will never function in the absence of a mechanism. “If you managed to introduce a quota out of obligation, it means that you stepped onto the threshold. The politicians cannot close the door now. You must only open the door with more firmness and conduct as many information campaigns as possible,” stated Sonja Lokar.

She noted that the parties are conglomerates of lobbyists, mainly male, who become party members for pragmatic reasons: want power, money or fame. In rare cases are the parties led by persons with clear views on how to improve the situation in their societies and who can abandon the personal interests for the sake of the people. The solution is for the parties to become more transparent and democratic at internal level.