Each sixth person living in Moldova is a woman working in the market economy and business. This group considerably influences the country’s development in all the areas, not only the economic dimension. Ten accessible statistical profiles of women and girls in Moldova were launched by UN Woman Moldova and the National Bureau of Statistics, IPN reports.

The businesswomen represent over 23% of the working women. 80% of the women who work independently are involved in agriculture, pisciculture and hunting, 13% in trade, hotel services and restaurants, 2% in the building sector, 1% in industry, while 4% in other activities. The authors of the profiles say the women in Moldova are more seldom encouraged by the families to take part in the labor market and in business.

3 out of 10 employed women are young (between 15-34 years) and 6 out of 10 are of working age (between 35-64 years). 3 out of 10 have higher and vocational or specialized education. 6 out of 10 are employed in the public sector. 3 out of 10 are highly skilled professionals and 4 out of 10 are low-skilled and skilled workers.

Half of the employed women with higher education are concentrated in the central region and in the capital, Chisinau. Women occupy only 1 out of 4 leadership positions in companies. Only a third of self-employed workers have a university degree, a professional or specialized/expert education.

The study authors conclude that gender discrimination and the obstacles to the access to the labor market and in business of Moldovan women must be eliminated by ensuring better access to education and professional formation so that the women who enter the professional life develop the human and educational potential to a greater extend and based on gender equality principles.