Woman laws at Moldova
Here’s an up-to-date and detailed breakdown of women’s legal rights and protections in the Republic of Moldova
1. Constitutional Equality & Anti-Discrimination
Moldova’s Family Code (2000) establishes that marriage and divorce are governed by equal rights and duties for both spouses, and both may initiate divorce proceedings
The Law on Ensuring Equal Opportunities between Women and Men (2006) prohibits gender-based discrimination and provides legal recourse
In June 2024, amendments were approved to align the equality framework further with European standards—clarifying “positive measures,” strengthening enforcement, and enhancing authority roles in discrimination complaints
2. Gender Quotas and Political Representation
Law No. 71 (2016) mandates at least 40% representation of both genders on political party lists and cabinet nominations. It also introduced 14 days of paid paternity leave, bans sexist media content, and created a Gender Equality Coordination Group in public administration
As of early 2025, women hold 40% of ministerial positions and 40% of parliamentary seats, a remarkable achievement that placed Moldova among the top 10 globally in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index (2025)
Historically, women have also broken key barriers in the judiciary: Domnica Manole became the first female President of the Constitutional Court in 2020, and in 2021 Diana Sârcu became the first Moldovan woman to serve as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights.
3. Combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
Domestic and Family Violence
Law No. 45/2007 on Preventing and Combating Family Violence classifies all forms of domestic violence as criminal offenses under Article 201 of the Criminal Code. Victims can obtain protective measures like restraining orders, removal of aggressors, and child support—issued promptly (within 24 hours) and valid up to 3 months, with extensions possible.
In 2023, amendments introduced explicit definitions for “violence against women,” “femicide,” and “psychological violence,” including technology-facilitated abuse. A data-management system under the newly formed National Agency for Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence was created.
The Istanbul Convention—ratified in October 2021 and in effect since May 2022—guides Moldova's framework for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Institutional progress includes establishing the National Coordination Council (2024) to advise the GBV Agency and launch regional integrated services (like the first sexual assault centre in Ungheni), expanding victim referrals and protection orders.
However, enforcement still faces hurdles: protective orders are underutilized; complaints often classified as administrative; victims hesitate to report due to stigma; and shelter services remain underfunded.
Digital and Online Violence
Law revisions explicitly cover digital violence—e.g., online harassment and deepfake abuse—as forms of gender-based violence.
In early 2024, training programs empowered judges, prosecutors, and police to better handle tech-facilitated abuse following GREVIO recommendations.
4. Reproductive Rights
Abortion is legal on request up to 12 weeks, and generally permitted until 28 weeks depending on medical or social grounds. For health risks or fetal impairment, it's allowed up to 22 weeks; for severe malformations up to 28 weeks, all requiring certified medical facilities.
5. Economic Participation & Women's Ownership Rights
There are no legal barriers to women’s property ownership, business registration, divorce settlements, or financial control.
Nonetheless, cultural or economic factors remain challenging: in practice, some women lack direct access to family finances, face loan discrimination, and sometimes lose fair shares of assets in divorce due to legal tactics and unaffordability of representation.
Women are underrepresented in entrepreneurship—only about 34% lead MSMEs, with rare presence in larger businesses.
6. Policy Framework & International Standards
Moldova’s Program for Promoting Equality Between Women and Men (2023–2027) aims at structural reforms—tackling pay gaps, caregiving support, closing leadership disparities, and mainstreaming gender in public policy.
This aligns with broader commitments under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Moldova (2021–2024) focused on human rights and rule of law reforms.
Summary Table
| Area | Key Protections & Status |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Equality | Equal marriage/divorce rights; equality law in place |
| Political Representation | 40% gender quotas; strong parliamentary & ministerial representation |
| Domestic Violence | Specific law; protective orders; GBV agency established; enforcement improving |
| Digital/Online Violence | Recognized as GBV; law and judicial training introduced |
| Reproductive Rights | Legal up to 12 weeks; extended in health/fetal cases |
| Economic & Financial Rights | Legally equal; practical barriers persist |
| Policy & Institutional Support | 2023–2027 equality program; strategic alignment with CoE/EU reforms |
In short, Moldova stands out regionally for its progressive laws and political gender parity, especially through quotas and representation. It has modernized its approach to GBV—including digital forms—and laid institutional foundations to support victims. Nevertheless, challenges remain in closing economic gaps, fostering enforcement, and expanding services effectively.
RELATED Blog
0 comments