Women in Moldova earn at least 15.5% less than men. The wage gap has been consistently widening, causing women to lose an average of nearly 26,000 lei annually due to this inequality. These findings are presented in the third edition of the "Inequal Moldova" report, launched by the Partnership for Development Center (CPD) and the East European Foundation, IPN reports.
The report examines five key areas of inequality: income, community services, civic participation, health, and security. One of the most concerning issues identified is the persistent wage disparity between women and men. According to this year’s estimates, a woman would need to work until February 23 to match the previous year’s earnings of a man.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows the gender pay gap increased significantly in 2022, rising to 15.5% from 13.6% in 2021. This marks the largest growth in wage inequality in recent years, with women losing an average of 25,980 lei annually due to the gap.
Regarding community services, the report highlights limited access to essential services in rural areas, such as drinking water and waste management, which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. The study also notes inadequate citizen participation in local decision-making processes and negative societal perceptions related to violence and security as key aspects of inequality in Moldova.
Another topic addressed in the report is the 2024 Gender Equality Index. Progress has been noted in only one of the six areas analyzed. "This year, the political domain saw significant improvement, with a 4-point increase due to a greater number of women in key positions, including mayors and members of parliament. After last year’s local elections, the proportion of women mayors rose to 24%, and the number of parliamentary seats held by women increased to 41," stated a CPD representative.
However, the study reveals regression in three areas - education, access to resources, and societal perceptions and stereotypes - compared to 2023. "Boys continue to drop out of school prematurely, while girls, despite achieving high levels of education, tend to choose lower-paying fields," explained the CPD representative. In terms of resource access, the growing wage gap between men and women exacerbates poverty among women, leaving them financially vulnerable.
Sorin Mereacre, President of the East European Foundation, emphasized that the "Inequal Moldova" report is a valuable tool for policymakers who should utilize the data to design inclusive public policies.
Government representatives reiterated their commitment to reducing inequalities. "The Restart reform and other government programs are crucial for integrating marginalized groups and promoting fairness in society", stated Cristina Jandîc, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor.
Development partners, including the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Swedish Government, encouraged close collaboration with Moldovan authorities and civil society to advance equality and social inclusion. "Inequalities create barriers to achieving a functional and representative democracy, a critical goal for Moldova’s future," said a representative of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to actively contribute to building a fair Moldova where every citizen enjoys equal rights and opportunities.
