Although women in Moldova on average are better educated than men, they often choose to work in lower paying fields. Hence the modest career opportunities and lower salaries. At the same time, women are more dependent than men on income from social benefits and remittances. The findings are contained in the 2024 Gender Equality Index, presented on March 8 by the Partnership for Development Center.
“It is important to pause and reflect on the significance of this day. For some it’s about flowers and gifts, for others it’s about equal rights, gender equality, empowerment, power and strong voice. March 8 marks, first of all, the struggle for the rights claimed throughout history and enjoyed today by all the women we celebrate. At the same time, this day is an important day on which we can reflect on what inequalities are still around in society, how many rights women have, what women still lack and, most importantly, what we have to do to enjoy equal opportunities and chances in all venues of public and private life”, said Alina Andronache, CPD analyst, in a press conference.
For the tenth consecutive year on March 8, the Development Partnership Center launches the Gender Equality Index, which is calculated based on 31 indicators in six key areas. These include employment, politics, education, health, access to resources, stereotypes and prejudices.
“This index or this tool helps us to have this reflection on the rights of women in the Republic of Moldova, but also those of men, because gender equality is about both genders, about opportunities, about chances and responsibilities”, said Alina Andronache.
Natalia Covrig, executive director of the Partnership for Development Center, said that inequalities are not necessarily only against women and the educational field is one such example. “Data published by the Office for National Statistics shows that boys are more likely to drop out of education early. We see a very big difference, for example, in 2022, when 24% of boys left the educational system, compared to 18-19% girls”, said Natalia Covrig. Similarly, boys have much more modest aspirations compared to girls. Only half of male students tend to complete higher education, compared to 60% of female students.
Girls are more likely to pursue studies in humanities, while boys prefer STEM studies, which include science, technology, engineering and which typically come with better paying jobs and career opportunities. These inequalities later leave their mark on the professional path and financial possibilities. In Natalia Covrig’s opinion, field choices are determined by stereotypes in society.
Women receive lower pensions and wages. They continue to be underrepresented on the labor market. “The employment rate of women is significantly lower compared to that of men. For example, in 2022 the activity rate of women was 36%, while among men it was 46%. We have the same situation when we talk about the employment rate - there is a gap of 10 percentage points. Obviously, if women are underrepresented in the labor market, this affects their financial possibilities, their financial security, opportunities, and so on”, stated the CPD executive director.
Cristina Cojocaru, CPD project assistant, said that men are the most affected by gender inequalities in health. And although life expectancy has increased for both women and men, there is still a major discrepancy, with women living an average of 8.6 years longer than men. Another finding of the Index is that women are becoming more present in politics. This is despite the fact that perceptions of women’s involvement in politics and decision-making have worsened.