Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labor and Social Protection: "The figures show that although we have made significant efforts, the legal framework is not fully utilized, and we still have a long way to go to build a more inclusive society. Worldwide, wage inequalities sharply increase when a family has its first child. Therefore, the Government, together with the Parliament, has committed to an agenda that provides support for mothers and fathers, giving them opportunities to balance their professional and family lives. We are focusing on alternative care services, as without nurseries, we will not progress."
Globally, the gender pay gap is around 20%, while in the Republic of Moldova, the gap is smaller but still significant—women earn 11-15% less than men.
Another cause of wage inequality is societal stereotypes, according to Marcela Adam, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova: "The stereotype and prejudice that men should earn more than women still persist in society and in families. We need to work on changing this attitude. Equal pay is not just about the monetary value received by men and women, but about recognizing the value of women's work and human dignity. Therefore, I reaffirm our commitment as female deputies to analyze and review the tools to ensure a fair labor market."
To ensure wage transparency and equity, the MLSP introduced provisions in the Labor Code that guarantee equal pay for men and women for work of equal value. Clear criteria for determining the value of work have also been included in the Salary Law to reduce wage differences, especially in the private sector. In the public sector, the discrepancies are smaller compared to those in the private sector.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, with support from UN Women and the Center for Partnership Development (CPD), has prepared a draft normative act that provides a clear methodology for job evaluation and classification. This will help ensure equal pay for equal work, bringing more certainty and predictability to the labor market in the Republic of Moldova.
"Reducing the gender pay gap is an important goal of the National Program for the Promotion and Assurance of Gender Equality for 2023-2027. Through this program, we aim to create a fairer work environment and provide methodological solutions that support both employees and employers," said Felicia Bechtoldt.
"This is a huge task and a joint effort that the ILO, together with development partners, in this case, Switzerland, is making to help implement the Country Program. But these actions would not be possible without employers and trade unions, for more effective dialogue between employers and employees, as well as with authorities," emphasized Ala Lipciu, National Coordinator of the International Labor Organization in Moldova.
The Ministry thus aims to promote an organizational culture based on equality and transparency in the labor market, contributing to reducing the wage gap between men and women.
Source: Ministry of Labor and Social Protection
