September 19, 2024 – Women in Moldova earn up to 15% less than men, and this gap is even larger for women who are responsible for childcare. These findings are highlighted in the report “Gender Pay Gap in Moldova”, presented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) at the meeting of the National Council for Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality, part of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.

According to the document, wage inequality is mainly found in the private sector, while salaries in the public sector are equal. Globally, the gender pay gap is even more pronounced, reaching about 20%. The ILO report, “Gender Pay Gap in Moldova: Recent Trends and Policy Recommendations”, based on Labour Force Survey data from 2010-2023, shows significant progress in reducing the gender wage gap in the country.

“The economic empowerment of women in Moldova is not only a matter of social justice but also an essential factor for the sustainable development of our country. We must ensure that women have equal access to resources, opportunities, and support to fully realize their potential in the labor market, thus contributing to economic growth and overall well-being,” said MP Marina Morozova, who attended the meeting.

Carolina Bugaian, Vice President of the Working Group of the National Council for Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality, emphasized that women’s economic empowerment brings benefits both at the individual and societal levels. Economically active women are more independent, have higher self-esteem, and contribute to the well-being of their families and communities. At the macroeconomic level, women’s economic empowerment leads to economic growth, poverty reduction, and a more equitable society.

The presented report also includes a series of recommendations supporting the economic empowerment of women in Moldova, such as increasing the number of fathers taking paternity leave, encouraging mothers to reintegrate into the workforce, improving access to childcare services, and promoting women’s enrollment in STEM fields, among others.

The Secretariat of the Economic Council to the Prime Minister is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, funded by the UK Government’s Good Governance Fund.