United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, to visit Moldova for the first time

Several important bilateral meetings are scheduled to take place during her visit in Moldova, including with the President and the Prime Minister of Moldova, Mr. Igor Dodon and Mr. Pavel Filip, as well as with the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr. Andrian Candu, to discuss Moldova’s progress in advancing gender equality and women’s rights and future priorities.

On June 11 the Executive Director will meet with women Members of Parliament to discuss their work on promoting women’s rights and gender balance in leadership, political participation and decision-making. UN Women Moldova has been a steadfast advocate for women’s leadership and political participation in Moldova, and contributed to the adoption of a new law in 2016, which, for the first time, introduced gender quotas in party lists and cabinet nominees.

On the same day, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka will hold a meeting with the UN Women Civil Society Advisory Group in Moldova, consisting of 15 organizations representing women from various underrepresented groups, which actively advocate for gender equality and women’s human rights in the country.

Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka will also visit Căușeni, a town in the south of Moldova, to launch a public art installation "Bright Future,” that symbolizes equality and a life free of violence for women and girls in Moldova. During the event, she will meet local authorities and women survivors of violence. In Căușeni, the Executive Director will also engage in a lively discussion with the local youth about their active involvement in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign (25 November – 10 December).

The next day, Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka will participate in a high-level event, ”Women-led solutions to ending violence against women,” where women survivors of violence, also known as “Positive Champions” for their advocacy across Moldova, will share their experience of empowering hundreds of other Moldovan women to take the first steps towards a life free of violence.

During her visit the Executive Director will meet with Mrs. Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden in Moldova, and underline UN Women’s gratitude for the steadfast support from Sweden. Their meeting will mark 10 years of joint achievements in advancing gender equality in Moldova.

The visit of Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka to Moldova takes place in the context of her official visit to Europe and Central Asia region.