In the Republic of Moldova, women are well represented in several legal professions — they make up 54% of judges and 79% of notaries — yet remain underrepresented in others, such as the prosecution service (32%) and the legal profession (30%), and are less frequently found in leadership positions. These are some of the findings presented at the launch of the study “Legal and Institutional Guarantees for Access, Protection and Promotion of Women in Legal Professions in the Republic of Moldova”, TRIBUNA reports.

The study, developed with the support of the Council of Europe, also highlights the main causes of these imbalances, including family responsibilities, stereotypes, and invisible barriers within the system.

“Gender equality is not only about fairness; it is an essential ingredient for the independence and efficiency of the entire justice system. The study reflects a shared idea: recognizing the role of women in the field of justice is fundamental. Gender equality remains a core value of the Council of Europe and implies eliminating all forms of discrimination,” stated Falk Lange, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Chișinău.

“By analyzing and capitalizing on these perspectives, we aim to contribute to the development of sustainable policies and mechanisms that support professional growth and strengthen an environment based on balance, responsibility, and equal opportunities for all,” emphasized Viorica Grecu, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice.

“Although women represent an essential component of the prosecutorial body, actively and professionally contributing to the functioning of the system, their presence visibly decreases at the level of leadership positions,” added Elena Roșior, Acting President of the Superior Council of Prosecutors.

The study not only identifies the problems but also proposes solutions: training, strengthening social protection measures, and mechanisms to prevent discrimination, in line with Council of Europe standards.