UN Women, in partnership with the Congress of Local Authorities (CALM) has launched a comprehensive program aimed at strengthening the capacity of 22 local public authorities (LPAs) across the Republic of Moldova in gender-responsive governance and budgeting. Through a series of trainings, tailored mentoring, and knowledge exchanges, the initiative supported by European Union and Switzerland, aims to increase women’s engagement in governance processes and their meaningful participation in promoting inclusive and resilient communities.
The project aims to strengthen the institutional capacities of local public authorities (LPAs) to systematically integrate a gender-responsive approach into decision-making processes and local budget planning in line with national and international gender equality commitments. Gender-responsive budgeting ensures that public resources are allocated equitably, considering the diverse needs and priorities of women, men, boys and girls. By integrating a gender perspective into financial planning, it fosters more transparent and inclusive governance, ensuring that public spending reflects the needs of the entire population. This targeted allocation of resources strengthens social cohesion and builds community resilience. Through this critical initiative, UN Women and CALM are working to create a more just and equitable society for all women and girls.
To ensure the practical application of gender equality principles, the project will provide tailored support to LPAs for the development and implementation of local initiatives that address the specific needs of women and men in their communities. The intervention will be implemented in selected localities across the northern and southern regions of the Republic of Moldova, including the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, with particular attention to women-led communities and those hosting refugees. In the upcoming 2 years, 22 LPAs are expected to adopt and implement gender responsive local programmes and budgets, while over 60 local government officials will have strengthened capacities to address gender disparities in decision-making processes.
At the launching of the program, Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative said: “One of UN Women’s priorities is to support municipalities and local councils in developing and implementing strategies, policies, and budgets that respond to the different needs of women and men. Gender equality is crucial for fair, transparent, and efficient local governance. Through this program, we aim to help local authorities become more resilient to crises, promote social cohesion, and encourage civic participation.”
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova, Mate Csicsai, the Head of Political, Press and Information Section, spoke about the program saying: “Through the EU-funded EVOLVE4GE project, we are proud to stand with Moldovan communities in advancing gender equality and local democracy. Local governance is where citizens feel the impact of change most directly, which is why we support communities to plan and manage local budgets in a way that is more inclusive, transparent, and fair. Our aim is to ensure that local budgets truly reflect the needs of all – women, men, girls and boys – so that no one is left behind and everyone has an equal opportunity to excel. This brings Moldova closer to European standards of participatory governance, where citizens help shape the decisions that affect their daily lives.”.
„For Switzerland, promoting gender equality and strengthening inclusive governance are central to our long-standing partnership with the Republic of Moldova. Through this initiative, we are proud to support local public authorities in building the knowledge and tools needed to integrate gender perspective into decision-making and budgeting processes. This not only enhance transparency and fairness but also empowers communities, especially women and those in vulnerable situations, to actively shape their future. By fostering more equitable and resilient local governance, we contribute to Moldova’s sustainable and democratic development”, said Simone Di Stefano, deputy head of Cooperation, Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova.
“Through this initiative, we are not only enhancing the technical capacities of local public authorities – we are empowering women leaders to redefine governance at the local level. Gender-responsive budgeting is more than a policy tool; it’s a transformative mechanism that ensures every voice is heard and every need is addressed in our communities. Together with our partners, we are building resilient localities where fairness, participation, and inclusivity are the foundation of development”, said Irina Luncasu, project coordinator with CALM.
The local authorities in Straseni, Soroca, Nisporeni, Riscani, Sireti, Hirbovat, Mindresti, Colibași, Gangura, Tudora, Puhoi and Tomai will receive technical and capacity building support with funding from Switzerland.
The local authorities in Causeni, Drochia, Bratuleni, Obreja-Veche, Costuleni, Andrusul-de-Sus, Rusestii-Noi, Tigheci, Drasliceni and Cocieri will receive support from the European Union through the EVOLVE4GE project.
The initiative “Women’s Leadership for Gender-Responsive Governance,” developed in partnership with the Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova, is carried out under two projects implemented by UN Women Moldova: the EVOLVE4GE project, funded by the European Union, and the “Women for Peace and Prosperity” project, funded by the Swiss Cooperation Office.
