Gender statistics in Moldova's parliament: record number of women MPs in present legislative body

Moldova’s parliament of the 11^th legislative period has 40 women MPs, marking a record number in the country's history. The data today was unveiled in the context of International Women's Day.

Most women, 27 or 43.5 per cent, are in the Action and Solidarity Party’s (PAS) faction. In the Communists and Socialists Bloc’s (BECS) faction, ten lawmakers are women, making up 34.5 per cent. Also, every third unaffiliated deputy is a woman.

Gender equality is also observed in the leadership positions in parliament. One of the two offices of deputy speaker of parliament is held by a woman, Doina Gherman. Similarly, five out of 11 permanent commissions are chaired by women. The proportion of women in the standing bureau of the parliament exceeds 30 per cent.

At the same time, about 140 women are active at the parliament’s secretariat, accounting for around 76 per cent of the total number of public officials. Eighteen out of the 25 public executive positions are held by women. At the same time, the position of deputy secretary general of the parliament is held by a woman, Tamara Gheorghița.

Gender equality and the protection of women's rights are priorities of the parliament of the 11^th legislative period. In this context, lawmakers have adopted several laws to improve women's living conditions and support their active participation in society. Among them, there are amendments to the regulatory framework, which allow women to receive both salary and maternity leave benefits; ensuring equal access for women and men to goods and services; the employers’ obligation to periodically inform employees about average remuneration according to employees’ categories or positions, segregated by gender.

As part of efforts to combat violence against women, the concept of femicide — the severest form of violence against women — has been introduced into legislation. In this regard, the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence was created and the International Labour Organization Convention on violence and harassment in the workplace was ratified.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu conveyed a congratulatory message to all women on the occasion of International Women's Day.

“I want to send all women and girls from our country the warmest wishes of health, happiness and fulfillment. May you be healthy and appreciated every day!” said Igor Grosu.

A congratulatory message was also conveyed by Deputy Parliament Speake Doina Gherman.

“March 8 is, first and foremost, about rights, safety and respect. We are proud of the women from our country. They show the whole world every day that they can, and through them, Moldova can too. We have women in Moldova excelling in all fields. It is our duty to build a European Moldova, where women and men will live in harmony, with equal rights, opportunities and chances,” said Doina Gherman.

In the context of International Women's Day, the Women's Deputies Platform, along with the National Agency for the Prevention and Combating of Violence announced the registration of a draft law which will bring more safety and protection for women and girls across the country, both online and offline.

The International Women's Day is marked in Moldova today, alongside many countries around the world. The celebration is held annually on March 8, in order to highlight both the social, political, and economic achievements of women, as well as the discrimination and violence that still make their presence felt in many countries around the world.