International Women’s Day marked in Moldova and worldwide

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on 8 March in numerous countries around the world, including the Republic of Moldova, to highlight women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements, as well as to draw attention to the gender inequalities that still persist.

On this occasion, Speaker Igor Grosu delivered a congratulatory message in the Parliament plenary on the occasion of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the importance of respect, equal rights and the active participation of women in society.

“The 8th of March is, first and foremost, about respect and rights. In Parliament, we work so that gender equality, the protection of women’s rights and the support of their active participation in society remain priorities,” stated Igor Grosu.

According to the official, in the current legislature women are represented in a significant proportion. Of the 101 MPs, 40 are women, which represents approximately 40% of the total.

The Speaker stressed that, in recent years, the Republic of Moldova has become a country in which women’s voices are increasingly strong and better represented in public life.

“It is important that every girl in Moldova knows she has the right to equal opportunities, that she can dream without limits. Our responsibility, of those living today, is to build the conditions in which this becomes possible,” said Grosu.

The holiday has its roots at the beginning of the 20th century, in the context of women’s rights movements and demands for better working conditions and the right to vote. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution inviting member states to proclaim a day dedicated to women’s rights and international peace, thus officially establishing 8 March.

Over time, International Women’s Day has become both an occasion for celebration and for reflection on the progress made in the field of equal opportunities. According to data periodically published by UN agencies, wage gaps between women and men, the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions and gender-based violence remain major problems at the global level.

International Women’s Day remains a symbol of the struggle for equal rights and the recognition of women’s contribution to society’s development, in a context in which challenges related to equity and inclusion persist worldwide.