Moldova steps up in advancing climate resilience of rural women, with Sweden, Norway, and UNDP support

"Rural women carry a disproportionate burden of limited economic opportunities, unpaid care work and recently also threat to their crops and livelihoods caused by climate-induced disasters like droughts or floods. Combined, these lead to their increased risk of facing or falling into poverty throughout their lives. That is why through this project, with Sweden and Norway, we aim to address these challenges, by empowering women to take effective actions to deal with climate change impacts, specifically in rural areas, as well as strengthen their abilities to start or further develop a climate resilient business,” said Daniela Gasparikova, UNDP Resident Representative to the Republic of Moldova.

”Sweden’s mission in cooperation with the Republic of Moldova aims to improve leaving conditions of citizens through promoting the European Union fundamental values, such as: peace and democracy, gender equality and inclusive societies, economic development and creating new jobs and last but not least access to a clean and healthy environment for the people. The first phase of the project has demonstrated a notable influence on women’s involvement in communities and their economic activities in terms of climate change adaptation. Through the project's second phase, Sweden aims to enhance the achieved results in other regions of the country and to reconfirm its commitment to Moldova's path towards prosperity and development,” mentioned Karin Borovic, Head of Reform Cooperation, at the Embassy of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova. 

“Women’s participation is essential for sustainable development, climate change adaptation and energy efficiency. Norway is committed to promoting women’s rights and gender equality in its foreign and development policy. We are pleased to join this new phase of this project and look forward to learning more from concrete results,” stated Kamilla H. Kolshus, Head of the Norwegian Embassy Office to the Republic of Moldova.

25 local communities in Moldova will develop gender-sensitive Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) and consult them with residents. These communities will also receive financial assistance and mentoring for the implementation of SECAP-related actions, making local services more accessible and energy efficient.

At the same time, 80 women engaged in household economic activities and 25 women-led agricultural businesses will receive financial support and mentoring to implement smart climate solutions like drip irrigation, greenhouses, use of energy efficient solution and renewables, etc. 

12 local business incubators will enhance their capacities in gender and climate and receive institutional support to provide tailored services for rural women. These services will focus on building the climate resilience of their businesses and developing mitigation plans for its effects.

The project will support the piloting of the first energy communities (cooperatives), according to recent amendments to the Law on promotion of use of renewable energy. The European approach to energy communities involves setting up local groups of citizens, companies, and local authorities that work together to produce, distribute and consume renewable energy at the local level. 

Therefore, UNDP, Sweden, and Norway will support the establishment of three energy cooperatives, as well as two cooperatives in the agricultural and social sectors. 

Three beneficiary communities of first phase of the project will receive technical and financial assistance for initiatives focusing on environmentally friendly services that facilitate market access, such as constructing green infrastructure for open-air fairs and other related services.

Other 12 communities will be helped to put in place gender-responsive climate adaptation interventions related to floods management, afforestation, access to clean energy, energy efficient water supply system. 

The project will contribute to strengthening knowledge on gender and climate among policy specialists, public servants, and entrepreneurs. A thematic community of practitioners will be created and empowered. 

To promote gender and climate activism, community scholarships and internships hosted by environmental NGOs will be awarded. Summer camps and boot camps will be organized to prepare the next generation of leaders in climate and gender equality.

In the first phase of the project, funded by Sweden and implemented by UNDP, 30 localities have improved their public services and social infrastructure and become more resilient to climate change. 130 women in seven districts developed businesses resilient to climate change and created new jobs, including in rural areas.