More than 1 million women live in the rural areas of Moldova. They face different problems, including discrimination, stereotypes and limited access to services in different areas. At the same time, a country can develop harmoniously only if ensures gender equality, while the rural women can improve Moldovan society. The issue is discussed in the third Forum of Women Leaders from Rural Communities that is held in Chisinau on October 15-16.
In the opening of the event, Elena Lesan, head of the Equality and Civic Engagement Program of Soros Foundation Moldova, said that at least two things are sure when speaking about the women from rural areas: they make a crucial contribution to community development, but are simultaneously the least appreciated and the worst paid. The women are looked at from the angle of stereotypes and prejudice.
“In the previous forum, we convinced ourselves that the women are a real power in their communities. They become real models for the others. We, those from civil society, must support these women when they have to defend their rights and when they need to develop and achieve their aspirations,” said Elena Lesan.
The Forum of Women Leaders from Rural Communities is organized with financial support from the Government of Sweden. Swedish Ambassador in Chisinau Ingrid Tersman said that this event reminds them of a problem faced by Moldova. “At this forum last year, we said that for the country to develop democratically, all the citizens must take an active part in decision making. The decentralization reform is being implemented in Moldova and it will be done better if gender equality is ensured. Without the involvement of women, the country’s sustainable development is not possible,” stated the diplomat.
Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection and Family Ruxanda Glavan said that there is a truth in Moldova that cannot be denied – the women from the rural areas meet with problems in different spheres of social development. ”More than one million women live in villages. They are subject to different risks and are ready to emigrate. Though half of the agricultural workers are women, they have limited access to modern equipment, loans and information. Last year we opened a number of information offices to provide information about how a business can be started in rural areas,” she said
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Viorel Gutu said that there are few businesswomen in Moldova. He called on the women to be the driving force of agricultural businesses in their settlements.
The third Forum of Women Leaders from Rural Communities will center more on economic, political and social discussion platforms and will present success stories of a number of women leaders in their settlements.
