A New Generation of Women Leaders Have Risen in Căușeni District

Asya Varbanova mentioned that in these two areas - promoting women`s participation in politics and eliminating violence - UN Women in Moldova and, implicitly, the UN Programme “Women in Politics” has strong partnerships in Căuşeni district. "We are happy that you, as president of the district, support these initiatives. Moreover, we would like to multiply our experience from Căuşeni in other regions of Moldova", pointed out chief adviser.

In turn, Ion Ciontoloi, president of Căuşeni district, said that he feels honored to host such initiatives. Referring to the participation of women in politics, the president mentioned that, in his opinion, "it's natural to have parity in politics and although things are not exactly as it should be, I think that this will change for the better. And there are women who deserve to have access to decision-making processes, but I have to admit that men hardly accept to give up to their leadership positions," stated Ion Ciontoloi.

The discussion centered also around the adoption of the Law no.71 and what exactly it provides, one of the most important provisions being the 40 per cent quota for both sexes to the formation of party lists and not only. "We hope that this law will not be only on paper, but will be truly implemented and will make a difference in the lives of women and men in Moldova," said Asya Varbanova.

President of Căuşeni district told, moreover, that there "where women took over the mayors` positions from men, things began to change for the better in the communities. In addition, we know that countries where women are in leadership positions are among the most developed ones."

The bilateral meeting was followed by the event to promote women's participation in Causeni district "Generation of the leadership - another step, another level," moderated by Vera Ciuchitu, president of "Association of Psychologists Tighina" from the Căuşeni city. The event brought together 30 women leaders who participated in the projects implemented by the Center Partnership for Development (CPD), namely, "Empowering women from rural areas", project funded by Oxfam Novib, Netherlands; "Acceleration Program of Women`s Participation - CIVITA", partner Soros Foundation Moldova; and "National Mentoring Program for Women Councilors "INSPIR-O", both financed by the Government of Sweden.

Three local women councilors, who participated in the National Mentoring Program "INSPIR-O", conducted by the CPD and supported by the UN Programme "Women in Politics", with financial support of the Government of Sweden, presented the implemented projects and their impact in the community. The event was followed by three panel discussions on topics related to leadership, personal and professional development through mentoring relationships; empowerment of women; cooperation from the local to the district level.

In the end, Vera Ciuchitu, who was a mentor in the National Mentoring Program mentioned that the overall goal of the event was that women leaders to get inspired one from each other. "Sometimes, even if there is openness of the men to be more women in politics, women do not accept these leadership positions. This is because they have certain fears or, usually, they have too many responsibilities. Therefore, mentoring programmes, trainings could help them greatly in their professional and personal development, but also to empower them to take more initiative," believes Vera Ciuchitu. The Mentoring Programme "INSPIR-O" was conducted by CPD, with the support of UN Programme "Women in Politics", which, in turn, is implemented by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), funded by the Government of Sweden.

More, Vera Ciuchitu expressed her hope that in the near future there will be other collaborations with UN Women in Moldova. "I hope to strengthen our efforts in creating equal opportunities for women and men in their accession in politics, on labor market, but also to fight for a life without violence," she concluded.