Mayor Veronica Mocan: Women can demonstrate professionalism and competence, whether it’s in politics or rescue missions

135 km from Chișinău, in the village of Tudora, the mayor demonstrates every day that women can be strong leaders who mobilize resources and communities, implementing initiatives that transform the locality or even save lives. For her first term, 53-year-old Veronica Mocan is actively involved in solving the community's most pressing problems through inclusive policies, modernization projects, and care for people.  

"This morning, our team intervened to rescue three people who were involved in a car accident at the entrance of Tudora. They participated in the extrication and provided first aid until the arrival of the 112 Service team from Ștefan Vodă. And two weeks ago, they rescued a family with seven children from a fire and quickly extinguished the flames, thus minimizing material damage," says the mayor. "They were very lucky that we have a volunteer fire station right here in the village," she emphasizes. 

These rapid interventions are the result of investments made in the local volunteer fire station, where both men and women work. Last year, the Tudora village Council won a project funded by Switzerland, with the funds being directed towards rebuilding the roof of the fire station. The work cost the council 315,000 lei, 88% of which was provided by the project. "The deplorable condition of the roof did not allow us to have a functional fire service. Thanks to this funding from Switzerland, today the station is covered, protecting both the fire truck and equipment, as well as the team," explained the mayor while presenting the renovations.   

Mayor of Tudora, Veronica Mocan, with one of the local volunteer firefighting teams. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women Moldova

The reconstruction of the roof of the Tudora fire station is part of a broader project aimed at strengthening gender-responsive governance, policies, and budgeting “Women’s Leadership for Gender-Responsive Governance,” through which local initiatives received financial support. The initiative is implemented in partnership with Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) as part of the “Women for Peace and Prosperity” project, implemented by UN Women and funded by the Government of Switzerland. 

The presence of a fire department in the locality provides greater safety and prompt response in emergency situations. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women Moldova

In addition to the renovation works, the project proposal developed by the city hall under the coordination of Veronica Mocan also highlighted the involvement of women in the station’s activities. “Within the Service, we also have three women volunteers who contribute just as much as the men volunteers to the safety of our locality,” the mayor explained, emphasizing that women can have a significant contribution even in fields traditionally perceived as masculine. 

“We support one another and do everything together. I believe that women can express themselves in all fields,” said Svetlana Grigoroi, a refugee from Ukraine who joined the Service as a volunteer. 

Svetlana Grigoroi is a refugee from Ukraine and works with the Tudora Volunteer Fire Station. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women Moldova.

With more than 16 years of experience in the social sector as an NGO administrator, Veronica Mocan has always been driven by a desire to improve people’s lives, regardless of their gender, ethnic background, or health status. This close connection to community needs also motivated her to take part actively in trainings on inclusion and gender equality, organized with the support of UN Women and CALM, including those dedicated to the CALM Women Mayors’ Network. 

"Thanks to the training I participated in, I learned how to integrate a gender perspective into our local policies and strategic plans. We also developed a gender-sensitive budget," the mayor pointed out. 

When asked for concrete examples, Veronica Mocan spoke about the initiative to renovate the building of a former school and transform it into a sports hall adapted to the specific needs and requests of both girls and boys. “Initially, only one sports hall for boys was planned, but after our intervention and consultations with the young people in the community, both girls and boys, we modified the project so that we would have two halls and ensure equal access to sports activities,” she explained. 

For the local administration, the involvement of the civil society is another key element. Youth groups, the elderly, the diaspora, and local associations actively contribute to community life. "CSOs are the engine of change in the locality. They flag problems, monitor implementation, and help us carry out our annual activities," said the elected official. 

At the same time, the mayor notes with regret that violence against women and children remains widespread in rural areas. A multidisciplinary team operates at the local level, and cases are closely monitored. “Unfortunately, we also have cases of violence in our locality. Children suffer the most,” says Veronica Mocan, emphasizing that the lack of financial resources and the stigma surrounding abuse are the main barriers preventing survivors from seeking help. 

This is why, among the mayor’s future plans, lies the construction of a shelter for women and children who faced violence. “I would very much like people affected by violence to understand that their physical and mental health is more important than what others may say. In the discussions we have with women and girls in the community, we always encourage them to report any form of abuse,” she added. 

Being in a public position, she herself has faced violence, receiving mostly derogatory comments and messages. Although she has learned to deal with such situations, she says that violence, including violence against women in politics, must never be tolerated and should be sanctioned every time. She also notes that stereotypes persist, such as the belief that women cannot perform as well as men in leadership roles. But, she observes a gradual shift in attitudes, as she is treated with respect by the majority of local residents. "Even when there is dissatisfaction, I don't take it as criticism, but rather as a suggestion for improvement and intervention on our part." 

Veronica Mocan's extensive experience in the social field helps her to better understand the problems of the community and to come up with measures tailored to the specific needs of people in her locality. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women Moldova.

Despite the challenges that come with serving as mayor, she considers herself fortunate to have the support of her husband and family, where she finds understanding and a sense of security. “I have eight children, of whom I am very proud, and a loving husband who helps me succeed in everything I do,” she says.  

Her leadership and diplomatic skills have helped her build harmonious relationships at work. "I am glad that we have managed to form a team with a common agenda, which, beyond political ambitions, puts the interests and needs of the people first," says the mayor. 

Veronica Mocan's story shows that when women are supported to lead, communities become safer, more inclusive, and more resilient. "Women can demonstrate professionalism and competence, whether in politics or rescue missions," is the message conveyed by the mayor. 

Over the years, UN Women has supported a range of programmes dedicated to strengthening women’s leadership and increasing women’s participation in political life, including within local public administration. Currently, women mayors account for 24 per cent of all local elected officials.