OSCE/ODIHR promotes enhanced role for women in political parties in Moldova

Increasing gender equality within political parties in Moldova was the focus of a roundtable discussion held in Chisinau by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the OSCE Mission to Moldova on 4 September 2012.

The meeting brought together more than 40 representatives of political parties in Moldova, election officials, civil society and international organizations to discuss and share good practices parties can use to promote women as leaders, decision makers, campaign managers and candidates for elected office at the local, regional and national levels.

“A modern pluralistic democracy is a multi-party democracy,” said Ambassador Jennifer Brush, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “Political parties are among the most important institutions responsible for increasing women’s political participation.” 

Liliana Palihovici, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Moldova, said that “the process of candidate recruitment is the most important for political parties to address if women’s political participation in elected office is to be increased.”

During the discussion, ODIHR presented Gender Equality in Elected Office: A Six-Step Action Plan, a study that highlights different measures parties can adopt to promote women as decision makers and candidates.

“Political parties can introduce voluntary quotas or targets for women candidates, develop gender action plans, or establish initiatives to support the campaigns of women candidates,” said Marcin Walecki, the Chief of ODIHR’s Democratic Governance and Gender Unit.

A two-and-a-half day training seminar attended by 35 women participants was scheduled to take place following the discussion. The seminar is designed to provide women leaders and activists with valuable political skills in advocacy and running for office.