Students from six high schools across the country learned through an interactive game what energy efficiency means and why the energy transition needs both girls and boys equally

Among the participants was Laureta Ochișor from "Constantin Spătaru" High School from Leova. She says that although she's good at physics and sciences, taking part in the quiz taught her things she didn't know before.

 "I really liked the fact that we worked as a team, cooperated and everyone was equally involved. I think energy efficiency is important because it helps us save money and the money we spend on bills can be invested in other useful things. At the same time, I believe it's essential that women get involved in these fields too, because there shouldn't be differences between men and women. With our ideas, we can bring new perspectives and innovative solutions."

Her colleague from "Spiru Haret" High School in Chișinău, Martin Bahneanu, believes the "Energy with Equal Chances" quiz worked well for students because the questions had different levels of difficulty, which generated interesting discussions within the team and made the activity more engaging. 

"I learned many new things about constructions and how we can store and preserve energy so that costs stay lower. If I ever build a house, I will definitely install a thermostat, use multiple layers of glass and install solar energy."

In each of the six high schools across the country, students involved in the game had the opportunity to talk with protagonists of the campaign "Invest, it suits you", who motivated them to consider a career in technical fields, open to everyone regardless of gender. Among them was Aurelia Bahnaru, administrator of the "E-Circular" CSO. 

"Girls prove that they are very capable and well-prepared for this field and I believe everyone should contribute to this. We can't just talk about it every now and then; it needs to become the norm. Today's young people have been very active and I'm sure they will make a significant contribution to developing this sector for more sustainable energy, greener energy, regardless of gender."

Beyond curiosity and entertainment, each question of the "Energy with Equal Chances" quiz encouraged students to reconsider their habits and understand that sustainability begins right at home, through small but consistent choices. 

"I believe this is an effective way to spark interest in efficiency and promote healthy habits. At the same time, I consider the involvement of women in technical and green fields essential. I'm convinced that girls can excel in any field, and this is the field of the future, where they can contribute to solving vital problems," says Victor Ambroci, principal of "Spiru Haret" High School.

The "Energy with Equal Chances" quiz was conducted by UNDP Moldova, with support from the Governments of Italy and Denmark.

Silvia Pana-Carp, Programme Specialist at UNDP Moldova, emphasizes that the activity contributes to promoting inclusion in technical fields. "Through this campaign where we go to schools to talk with young people and show them what energy efficiency means, as well as through other projects we run, we promote the fact that women belong to technical fields. There's room for anyone who wants to work in these areas and is passionate about technology, whether it's IT, engineering, or energy."

The data from technical education institutions shows that young women continue to view the energy field with caution. For example, in technical colleges in the Republic of Moldova, upon admission, only 1 out of 5 students is a girl. Upon graduation, even fewer remain - only 1 out of 6 students. Also, over the last 5 years, only 10 female students received diplomas in electrical engineering from the Electrical Engineering Department of the Technical University of Moldova.