Moldova: EU supports evidence-based dialogue on gender-inclusive policies between civil society and local authorities
A consultation with Moldovan civil society organisations (CSOs) and local public authorities, held on 29 August, supported the integration of a gender perspective into the Local Development Strategy of the Amalgamation Cluster of villages (Roșcani, Telița, Calfa and Gura Bîcului) in the Anenii Noi district of the Republic of Moldova.
A full-day face-to-face consultation, organised by the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project and funded by the European Union, aimed to strengthen the capacity of local civil society organisations to advocate for gender-inclusive policies and reforms. Through this dialogue, civil servants and CSO representatives enhanced their understanding of gender equality as a key driver of sustainable development and acquired skills to integrate gender considerations into local strategic planning.
Bringing together 29 civil society and civil servant participants (25 women and four men), the consultation provided a platform for participants to collaboratively discuss the draft strategy’s priorities, identify opportunities for including gender equality objectives, and prepare concrete proposals on gender-responsive measures to integrate into the strategy. A significant outcome was the broad acknowledgement of the importance of integrating a gender equality perspective into the strategy, and ensuring that local public authorities’ responsibilities comply with national and international legislation on preventing and combating gender-based and domestic violence.
Participants welcomed the consultation’s focus on gender mainstreaming tools to advance equal opportunities for women and men at the local level. For many participants, this consultation was their first opportunity to learn how to use these tools in practice, including through group work exercises. The event also gave CSOs a vital platform to share information on community needs and priorities with local authorities. The consultation enhanced understanding of gender analysis and equality, while fostering strong collaboration between CSOs and local public authorities, setting the stage for more inclusive and equitable local development. Participants commended the opportunity to engage in dialogue with local authorities and emphasised the importance of ongoing expert support in creating gender-responsive projects for their communities.
The dialogue is part of the EU4Gender Equality Reform Helpdesk project’s support for gender equality and women’s empowerment across the Eastern Neighbourhood region, including in Moldova.
Learn more about the EU’s support for gender equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood region
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