The Group of Feminist Initiatives of Moldova 8 will mount a feminist march entitled “Sexism steals our chances” on March. The event is aimed at promoting the equality of chances and at sensitizing the people to gender discrimination. In a news conference at IPN, the event organizers said they are trying to reduce the combative spirit of the holiday of March 8 and to use this occasion to problematize the situation of women in Moldova.
According to the Group of Feminist Initiatives, sexism as a phenomenon is not equal to the term ‘sexual’. It is rather gender-based discrimination against women and men. “Sexism is when I’m fond of sport and, instead of being encouraged, I’m told: “Polina, why do you do sport so much? You will have evident muscles and this is not nice,” said Group member Polina Ceastuhina.
Another situation of sexism presented by the Group members is when a woman is subject to domestic violence or rape and the people wonder if she is not to blame for this too. “Instead of drawing attention to the legal framework and seeing what steps the state takes towards aggressors, we question and accuse the victim. Such examples show that sexism steals our chances,” said Victoria Apostol, the founder of the Group of Feminist Initiatives.
The speakers noted also the discrimination on economic or political grounds between genres. According to them, if a woman wants to enter politics, it will be hard for her as everyone will ask her if she is married and how many children she has or why she wants to become involved in politics instead of staying at home. “I want to warn the journalists, as opinion leaders, to pay attention to what they say about genders and rights, especially on the occasion of March 8,” said activist Oleg Brega.
The Group members made public statistical data about the situation of woman and men in Moldova. The speakers said the employment rate among women is 37%, while among men it is 42%. “The salary of a woman is by 12% on average lower than of a man, but the training level of women is by 5% higher. The women are much better trained and prepared, but are employed to a lesser extent,” said Angela Frolov, programs coordinator at “Genderdoc-M” and a Group member.
According to Vitalie Spranceana, who is a member of the Group of Feminist Initiatives, March 8 started as a holiday celebrating the struggle for the emancipation of women, but now became the opposite. “What was a moment to advance feminine rights became a kind of ritual that actually reproduces patriarchal dominance,” said Vitalie Spranceana, projects coordinator at the association “Oberliht”.
The Group members produced a social video clip by which they aim to draw attention to the privileges enjoyed by the men in society just because they are men. This will be disseminated.
