The fact that the women in Moldova are not promoted in the political sphere is due exclusively to the political class, said independent expert in gender issues Olga Nicolenko, who is a member of the Platform for Gender Equality. In a news conference at IPN, the expert stated that there are enough women who can and want to run for different posts and the society’s attitude evolved in this regard, but there is not enough political will and actions on the part of the political class.

“This happens only because of the political class, not because of the women, who supposedly do not want to run, and not because of the men, who supposedly do not want to vote for them. The blame is borne exclusively by the political class and the politicians who do not put them on the lists of candidates,” stated Olga Nicolenco, stating that the people became more modern and aware of gender-related issues than the politicians.

The expert said the women should be encouraged to become involved more in the public life, but they are not motivated at least by the women who hold high-ranking posts. “Regretfully, our women MPs didn’t manage to become an example that is worth being followed by the other women so that these want to become involved in politics,” stated Olga Nicolenko.

She also said that the politicians and statesmen started to use sexist expressions and take misogynist actions more often. For example, a politician recently told a woman at what age she should run in elections. Another politician, instead of centering on major state matters, inquired if she is married or not. An MP pushed a woman mate from the rostrum.

Andrei Brighidin, of East-Europe Foundation, said the civil society members assume responsibility for taking a series of measures to exert pressure on the decision-makers so that these ensure gender equality by the bill to institute a gender quota and to make the political parties become more sensible of the gender dimension.