The gender equality level in 2020 stands at 60 points out of 100, by only 1 point higher than in 2019. This slight growth is due to the reforms made in the political sector – introduction of the mandatory gender quota and of the condition regarding the placing of candidates on lists for local elections and reduction of the level of stereotypization as regard the gender roles in society. For example, the number of those who think that the woman’s role is to take care of the family and house decreased from 59.7% to 51.3%, shows the Gender Equality Index issued by the Partnership for Development Center on March 8, IPN reports.

Despite this progress, half of the areas covered by the Index witnessed declines in the average values. Education and access to resources decreased by one point, while healthcare by two points. The labor market index remained at 63 points. The analyzed data show the inequalities in healthcare and education affect mainly the men, while those on the labor market, politics and access to resources primarily the women.

If the current tendencies remain unchanged, the Partnership for Development Center anticipates that a relative gender equality level can be achieved in 200 years. Based on the current values of the Gender Equality Index for the last ten years and their variation, the Center determined that the Gender Equality Index will reach over 95 points in 2219.

Real reforms are needed to accelerate progress in ensuring equality. The Center recommends the lawmakers to adopt eight laws that would allow for the extension of crèche services, reformation of the childcare leave, narrowing of the pay and pension gaps, transposition of provisions of the Istanbul Convention and prevention and combating of sexual harassment.

The Index measures equality between women and men in six key areas, namely labor market, politics, education, access to resources, perceptions and stereotypes, and healthcare. The index is calculated based on 31 impact indicators classified into the six categories. The equality level is measured on a scale of 0 to 100. This way, the closer is the calculated index to 100, the higher is the gender equality level in this area.

The Gender Equality Index 2020 is produced by the Partnership for Development Center in the framework of the Common Initiative for Equal Opportunities Project. The index reveals the progress made in ensuring equal opportunities for women and men in Moldova and is annually launched on March 8.