In the Republic of Moldova, the number of employed women is higher than that of men in the labor force. However, men continue to earn higher salaries due to their preference for technical professions. These findings, supported by statistical and comparative analysis, are highlighted in a report by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, IPN report.

According to Alexandra Ermolenco, representative of the Partnership for Development Center in Moldova, significant disparities exist between the overall status of women and men in Moldova, similar to those observed in Georgia and Ukraine.

Statistics show that more women hold higher education degrees compared to men. Since 2015, there have been 10% more female students than male students in Moldova. In Georgia, this gap is only 5%.

In terms of salaries, women in Moldova earned 15.3% less than men in 2022. In Georgia and Ukraine, this gap is even wider, at 23% and 18%, respectively.

Experts attribute this discrepancy to the fact that men are more likely to choose technical fields, which tend to be better paid, while women predominantly opt for humanities-related professions.

In Moldova, approximately 65% of men pursue professional training in technology, engineering, and mathematics. Meanwhile, around 80% of women choose humanities-related specialties. Similarly, in Georgia, women dominate professions in education, arts, and healthcare, accounting for 70% of workers in these fields. About 72% of Georgian men are employed in sectors such as services, agriculture, science, and construction.

The report, “Women’s Representation in Decision-Making: Perspectives and Challenges in Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia”, was prepared by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in collaboration with the Partnership for Development Center.