The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on Both Banks of the Nistru River

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River

Sociological study

Institute for Public Policy

Chisinau, 2019 The study has been developed under the aegis of the Institute of Public Policy, in partnership with the Organization “Новый Век” (Tiraspol), with the financial support of the British Embassy in Chisinau through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

Authors: Aliona Cristei, Master, Researcher, Institute for Public Policy, Daniela Terzi-Barbarosie, Psychologist, Psychological Centre “SINESIS”, Elena Bobcova, Ph. D., Executive Director, Independent Analytical and Research Centre “Новый Век”

This report is focused on the rights of women, as part of human rights aspects only. Its terminology and language imply no political position. The territory of Transnistria is not recognized as an independent state by the international community, the unanimous position is that it is part of the Republic of Moldova. The Experts have accordingly referred to the decision makers in this territory as de facto authorities. The use in this report of such terms as ‘Constitution’, ‘Law’, or any other term used to clarify the rights of women does not indicate any de jure recognition of these regulatory acts, de facto authorities or institutions. These terms are used exclusively for the convenience of the reader and to provide the most precise identification possible of specific documents, de facto authorities, office-holders and institutions. The names of places and other typographical terms differ between the languages in the territory. The report uses the terms the Experts understood as the most common in the area. In some instances, the Experts have used the terms “left bank” and “right bank” to indicate the territory controlled by the de facto Transnistrian authorities and the Government of the Republic of Moldova, respectively. In other instances, the Experts used the term “Transnistria” to refer to the territory controlled by the de facto Transnistrian authorities. This use follows the pattern established by the latest Protocols signed between the Chisinau and Tiraspol authorities, and does not imply recognition of the independence of the territory. The views expressed in this report are solely those of the authors, based on the independent human rights assessment they were engaged to undertake, and do not necessarily reflect the official position(s) of the British Embassy in Chisinau. The authors sincerely thank all the respondents who participated in the in-depth interviews, group discussions and talks carried out in the framework of the research. CONTENTS Contents...... 3 List of abbreviations...... 4 Argument...... 5 Executive summary...... 7 Methodology...... 9 I.The legal and regulatory framework with regard to gender equality...... 11 1.1. Legal, regulatory and policy news...... 11 1.2. Initiatives of development partners and civil society on both sides of the Nistru River...... 15 II.The quality of life of rural women from both banks of the Nistru River...... 20 2.1. Perceptions on the quality of life...... 20 2.2. Social Problems...... 24 2.3. Living conditions and access to basic services...... 28 III. Studies and the level of education of women in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River...... 33 3.1. Level of studies...... 33 3.2. Perceptions on the importance of the studies...... 34 3.3. Sources of information...... 36 IV.Women’s employment in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River ...... 40 4.1. Professional activity and employment prospects...... 40 4.2. The income of women...... 43 4.3. Perceptions and risks concerning employment ...... 46 4.4. Barriers to women’s empowerment...... 49 4.5. Forms of civic and political participation...... 52 Case study: Woman leader of the ethnic minority community...... 55 Case study: Woman leader in the LPA...... 67 V.Women’s health in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River...... 63 5.1. Access to health services...... 63 5.2. Practice of addressing to the doctor...... 65 VI.Family relations in rural areas on both sides on the Nistru River...... 68 6.1. The distribution of roles in the family...... 68 6.2. Violence against women...... 74 VII.Knowledge and attitudes about the unsettled Transnistrian conflict...... 76 7.1. The perceptions of women regarding the unsettled Transnistrian conflict...... 76 7.2. Practices of communication between the communities on both sides of the Nistru River...... 81 General findings...... 83 The quality of life of rural women from both banks of the Nistru River...... 83 The studies and the level of education of women in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River...... 83 Employment of rural women on both sides of the Nistru River...... 84 The health of women in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River...... 86 Family relations in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River...... 86 Violence against women...... 87 Knowledge and attitudes about the unsettled Transnistrian conflict...... 87 Recommendations and possible entry points...... 88 For Central Public Authorities...... 88 For the Local Public Administration on both banks of the Nistru River...... 88 For the civil society on both banks of the Nistru River...... 89 Annexes...... 90

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 3 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abbreviations Description

CPA Central Public Administration LPA Local Public Administration ADA Austrian Development Agency NBS National Bureau of Statistics OR The Office for Reintegration CPCVWDV The European Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women The UN Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against CEDAW women FEMM Committee The European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

CPEDEE The Council for Preventing and Eliminating Discrimination and Ensuring Equality

CPD Centre ”Partnership for Development”

DFID Department for International Development of Great Britain EIGE European Institute for Gender Equality ESAS Exploitation and sexual abuse

GIDP Gender in Development Policy (UNDP) MDL Moldovan Leu MECR The Ministry of Education, Culture and Research

MHLSP The Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection PPI Institute of Public Policy NAP National Action Plan on implementation of UNSCR 1325 (National Action Plan) UN United Nations NGO Non-Governmental Organization OSME Organization for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises CSOs Civil Society Organizations

OSCE The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe EU European Union UNDP United Nations Development Programme UN Women United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women USAID U.S. Agency for International Development

GBV Gender-based violence

4 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study ARGUMENT

Globally, women are considered to be one of the vulnerable groups although their contribution to the development of societies is much higher than it would seem. The vulnerability of rural women is higher, and is explained by objective factors of the environment, the conditions under which they live, but also by factors of social nature. In the Republic of Moldova, women in rural areas represent nearly 30% of the total country’s population, and 51% of the resident population in rural areas, and among the main factors of their vulnerability can be listed both economic and social ones. Unemployment and income gap between women and men are the main economic factors which influence the situation of women and cause a number of gender-specific issues. Among the social factors can be mentioned: stereotypes, violence in the family, standards accepted by the society, traditionalism existing on the distribution of roles in the family and in the society between women and men, etc. The persistence in society of discriminatory attitudes towards women, confirmed by the research conducted in the field, the stereotypes in Moldovan society according to which the man is the head of the family and the woman is assigned a series of household responsibilities, including caring for and educating children. Living conditions are worse in villages compared to cities, impacting the situation of women in rural areas. At the same time, reduced access to facilities, poor quality of basic services, lack of employment opportunities, of using knowledge and skills drive migration from rural areas, including women, which determines certain consequences to the family environment beyond the beneficial financial aspects. The socio-economic potential, in general, is in direct correlation with the level of education, the state of health of the population, the community in which it lives. The deterioration of social capital in the rural areas of Moldova leaves its marks on rural women too. Analysing this issue in the light of the studies, it is noticed that the level of education of women from rural localities on the right bank of Nistru River is much more reduced in relation to women in cities. The same trends are attested in the communities from the left bank. Only 46.4 % of the active women in rural areas have higher education, secondary specialized or secondary vocational education and in recent years their weight is steadily decreasing. This phenomenon is particularly alarming, if compared to the ratio of trained women from the urban areas, which constitutes over 75% of the active women population. At the same time, the possibilities of employment of rural women and developing activities to get income are lower in comparison with women from the cities, leading to the amplification of the migration phenomenon of trained women from the villages. A particular problem is the situation of women from disadvantaged groups, especially women with disabilities, mothers with many children, elderly women and the representatives of certain minorities (ethnic, religious, etc.). In the case of these social groups both quality of life and participation in community life are more precarious compared with the group of women in rural areas as a whole. Social stigma, marginalization, poverty, practically non-existent access to many services and opportunities produce double disadvantages to these social categories. Another important issue for women in rural areas is access to medical services. Official statistics on both banks of the Nistru River shows that access to health services of women in rural areas is lower in comparison with the women from the cities. At the same time about 1/5 of the rural women appreciate their health status as bad or very bad compared to 14.5% of the women from urban areas (medical condition of women on the right bank of the Nistru River) (the state of women’s health of the right bank of the Nistru River). Such alarming data highlights the issue of the women’s health insecurity in villages who, due to informal activities or unremunerated work in agriculture, are not medically insured in addi-

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 5 tion to the fact that purchasing health insurance policy is still not popular among the rural population. The use of household equipment in the household, besides the fact that it provides the comfort necessary for a decent living, also reduces considerably the time used for the work in the household. The use of this equipment in rural areas is much more reduced, and women are still disadvantaged, who are considered responsible for household chores. The lack of opportunities for socialization and realization of potential, through public, cultural activities, etc. worsen the quality of life of women in the villages on both banks of the Nistru River. The outbreak of the Transnistrian conflict had evidently affected the lives of women in the Republic of Moldova, but failure to resolve it over the years maintains a number of latent or unresolved problems, as well as unknown or ignored ones, on both sides of the River, alike. The analysis of the aforementioned problems has determined the need for a comprehensive analysis of the prospects of rural women on both sides of the River. The comparative approach of the different social aspects investigated, allowed us to highlight the trends of development and affirmation of women who live on right and left banks of the Nistru River. The researched issues are addressed systemically, focusing on the interconnection between areas, and the application of qualitative and quantitative methods will allow the development of social and policy actions and initiatives, based on concrete data. Arcadie Barbarosie, Executive Director, Institute for Public Policy

6 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Ensuring the principle of equal opportunities of women and men is one of the objectives of the public policies, strategies and programs in the Republic of Moldova. Thus, gender equality is found in the main legislative documents of the Republic of Moldova. Over the past few years, the Government of the Republic of Moldova has adopted several changes with respect to women’s participation in political life (establishing the mandatory participation quota), integration in the labour market, promoting non-sexist communication in the media and advertising, protection of victims of domestic violence, promotion of gender equality in the security sector, etc. Despite these efforts, the assessment of the progress achieved in ensuring equality between women and men is still difficult. Although women enjoy the same rights in the sphere of labour as men, they are a relatively vulnerable group on the labour market and their income is lower than that of men. There are also areas of women’s participation in public and political life, although recent changes in the legal framework favour and stimulate these processes. Even if in recent years the subject of increasing women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes in the Republic of Moldova has ben- efited of a particular attention, full participation of women in power and decision-making structures is rather low in comparison with the world average and women remain under-represented in the upper forums of decision-making, at central and regional level. In this context, the Sociological Study «The Perspective of women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River» aimed to assess the situation of women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River (including in the areas bordering the Security Zone) and to identify the main problems and barriers encountered by women in the 5 reference areas: education, health and social protection, civic and political participation, employment, inter-relationships between the citizens of the right and left bank of Nistru River. The study focused on a complex methodology, being applied to quantitative and qualitative methods of sociological research. The following sociological research methods were used to ensure data triangulation: questionnaire survey among rural women on both sides of the Nistru River, in-depth interview, group interview and case study method. The quantitative study included the conduct of a national survey among the rural women, in the age of 18 years and more, on both sides of the Nistru River. The sample is representative; the margin of error is 4.3 percent. The assessment of the situation of women on the right and left bank of Nistru River has revealed the following general conclusions: The assessment of the situation of women on the right and left bank of Nistru River has revealed the following general conclusions:

• The quality of life of women in rural areas is relatively low. Poverty manifested by economic problems, lack of employment opportunities and adverse conditions of living are the main issues that affect rural women from both banks of the Nistru River.

• The problems that mostly affect women in rural areas are the following: poor quality of medical services or the lack thereof, poverty caused by a lack of employment opportunities in the labour market and adverse living conditions. These problems are characteristic to women on both banks of the Nistru River, even if the economic situation of women from the right bank is better compared with the situation on the left bank of Nistru River.

• The main sources of income of rural women from both banks of the Nistru River derive from agricultural activities, including income obtained from the processing of the gardens around the houses. The share of women who have a lower income than the husband/partner is considerable, and constitutes 35.1%.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 7 • The main risks associated with female employment in the respondents’ view are family factors, including the prevalence of attitudes and stereotypes that attribute to women a number of family roles: raising children, caring for the home, preparing food, keeping the family climate, etc. The study identifies gender-sensitive situations in the work environment, 29.8% of respondents being treated unequally because they are women. Limited access to medical services is another problem encountered. More than half of the women in rural areas do not have in the community a Centre for Family Doctors/Cen- tres that provide health services, and the share of those who hold health insurance is just 40%. • The study shows that the population of the country shares, in large part, conservative beliefs with respect to the role of women and men in society. The communities continue to manifest themselves as largely patriarchal, which also implies the perpetuation of traditional gender roles. • Knowledge of the respondents in respect of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict and the format of negotiations 5+2 is quite low. Half of the women in rural areas do not know about/have not ever heard about the work of the 5+2 negotiation format. Depending on the region, we find that the most informed are women from the left bank of Nistru River and those who live in the security zone. • Impact of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict on the lives of women in rural areas is felt by 44% of respondents (15.7% to a great extent/very great extent and 29.1% to a small extent). Most of all, the conflict has affected the population/women in the security zone/in the immediate vicinity of the security zone. Every third woman in the security zone said that she had suffered as a result of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict. Based on the findings we propose the followinggeneral recommendations:

• Development of the legal framework in the field of reference of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova through the connection to international conventions, the development of an Action Plan to ensure gender equality between women and men and the establishment of a quota of women’s representation in public bodies/administration on the left bank of the Nistru River, following the model recently adopted in Moldova. • Increasing the level of awareness of local representatives with regard to the specific problems of women in rural areas, on the basis of dialogue and communication with the female population on both banks of the Nistru River; • The inclusion of gender issues/problems faced by rural women on the public agenda and the priorities of local development (e.g., domestic violence, employment of young women, inclusion of women with disabilities, etc.) • The involvement of the LPA and national NGOs in the promotion of gender equality in the community and combating gender stereotypes. Involvement in the LPA specialists on gender (focal points) or extension of remit of the social worker with the appropriate pay. • Increasing the level of cooperation between the NGOs on both banks of the Nistru River, by involving in addressing the same common problems of women; • Increasing the level of cooperation between women from different rural communities, including the right and left banks of the Nistru River. Increasing the level of involvement of women in community life, activities conducted in the community by the local public authorities and associative entities; • Empowering women on both banks of the Nistru River in the area of leadership, developing the capabilities of leaders, in order to change the way of thinking and mind-set in relation to the roles of women in the family and community; with particular attention to women from the left bank of the Nistru River, who have shown little initiative at community level and are not aware of the need to participate in decision-making; increasing the level of informing the population about the significance of the 5+2 negotiation format and the activities carried out in this aspect.

8 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study METHODOLOGY The study aimed to analyse the situation of women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River (including in the areas bordering security zone1 ), and to identify the main problems and barriers encountered by women in the 5 reference areas: education, health and social protection, civic and political participation, employment, inter-relationships between the citizens of the right and left bank of the Nistru River.

The study intended:

• To assess the legal framework and the policy framework with reference to the gender equality and equal opportunities, developed on the right and left bank of the Nistru River;

• To document, evaluate and compare the problems faced by the women of the right and left bank of the Nistru River. In this sense, the major problems were identified, common to women on both banks of the Nistru River;

• To develop practical recommendations in order to improve the policies and practices of ensuring gender equality, including suggestions on increasing the level of involvement of women in the 5 reference areas.

The evaluation was based on the analysis of primary data (collected through quantitative and qualitative methods of sociological research), but also on the analysis of secondary data (content analysis of the legal framework and the policy framework with reference to gender equality and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men). The following sociological research methods were used to ensure data triangulation: questionnaire survey among rural women on both sides of the Nistru River, in- depth interview, group interview and the case study method.

The quantitative study included a nationwide survey of 18-year-old women aged 18+ on both sides of the Nistru River2. The sample of the study is representative for the adult population of both banks of the Nistru River and is stratified, probabilistic and made up of three layers3 . On both banks of the Nistru River the same procedures of selection of respondents were applied. The main stratification criteria are: 5 administrative-territorial units, the residential environment - rural, type of rural areas – 5 categories. The randomization stages are: the locality, the household/family and person. The period of collection of quantitative data was: 5 September 2018 - 9 October 2018.

The total volume of the sample constitutes 1036 respondents. In addition, 116 questionnaires were collected in the localities immediately adjacent to the security zone, which facilitated comparability of data for 3 sub-samples:

a. The right bank of the Nistru River –522 respondents, rural women of 18 years and older (See Table 1 in the Annexes. The structure of the sample, the right bank of the Nistru River). The margin of error was 4.3%.

b. The left bank of the Nistru River – 514 respondents, rural women of 18 years and older (See Table 2 in the Annexes. The structure of the sample, the right bank of the Nistru River). The margin of error was 4.3%.

1 Settlements on the right bank of the Nistru River, which are located in the immediate vicinity of the security zone 2 On the right bank of the Nistru River the survey was conducted by the iDATA company (Intelligent Data) and on the left bank of the Nistru River the survey was conducted by the organization “Новый Век” (Tiraspol). 3 Representativeness of sub-samples differ, given the substantial differences on the total number of resident population on the right and left bank of the Nistru River. The total number of the population from the right bank is much higher compared with the population from the left bank of the Nistru River. In this sense, the aggregation of frequencies obtained on the right bank with the frequencies on the left bank of the Nistru River must be made with caution.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 9 c. Border towns, located in close proximity to the security zone–206 respondents, rural women of 18 years and older (See Tabelul3 in the Annexes. The structure of the sample, the right bank of the Nistru River). The margin of error was 6.8%.

The qualitative study included a comprehensive methodology, using the in-depth interview method, group interview, and the case study method. The sample was a pre-determined one, aiming at certain target groups, whose views were considered of primary importance for this study.

Thus, the target group of the study was:

a) women aged 18 years and older, in rural areas of the right and left bank of the Nistru River;

b) women leaders in the fields inquired (for example: women principles of schools, women mayors, women entrepreneurs, women leaders at the local level, women leaders in the NGO, etc.);

c) experts working in the field of gender in government and associative entities;

d) representatives of the LPA.

A total of 10 group interviews and 30 in-depth interviews with key actors from both banks of the Nistru River have been conducted (see Table 4 in Annex). There were also conducted 2 case studies, which highlight the best practices of affirmative action and professional growth of women. The qualitative study was conducted in 10 rural communities4 (territorial-administrative units) located in different geographical areas of the country (South, Centre and North) and encompassed the rural communities on the right and left bank of the Nistru River (see Table 4 in the Annex)5 . The period of data collection was: September-October 2018.

4 The study is not representative and does not characterize the situation at the national level. Therefore, the results of the study should not be extrapolated to the national level 5 The identification of the localities and of the target group for the qualitative study was conducted based on the recommendations of experts in the field of gender equality, among which we mention: UN Women, ProDidactica, ODSME, the Partnership for Devel- opment Centre, etc. Thus, they identified women leaders in the economic, education, political life, civic activism, the women who participated in the trainings organized for leadership and empowerment in politics, etc.

10 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study I. THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WITH REGARD TO GENDER EQUALITY

1.1. Legal, regulatory and policy news The legal framework governing the field of genderequality on the right bank of the Nistru River and determining the directions and areas of intervention of public policies in the field is based on international instruments6 . They focus on creating the conditions of legal-regulatory and institutional achievement of equality effective for women in all areas of life. They also stipulate the obligations of states to comply with these conditions and to ensure equal rights, de jure and de facto. On the right bank of the Nistru River national legislation with reference to the principle of gender equality requires protection, promotion and respect of human rights of women and men, ensuring and providing equal opportunities for women and men, in all spheres of life.

On the national level, in the first place, the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova establishes equality between its citizens, without distinction of sex, and, in principle, does not contain discriminatory rules according to this criterion. Legislation of the Republic of Moldova on the right bank of the Nistru River guarantees the equal rights of citizens to participate in public life, to get a profession, to engage in labour field, to have access to certain services, to benefit from social protection etc.

The principle of equal opportunities for women and men is enshrined in the Moldovan legislation in several regulatory acts, starting with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, but the most important is the Law No 5-XVI on ensuring equal opportunities between women and men (as of 9 February 2006). This law regulates the measures for promoting equal opportunities between women and men and eliminating direct and indirect discrimination on the criterion of sex, in all spheres of public life. It is important that the law mentions the necessity of including its principles in all “policies, strategies and public programs, regulatory acts and financial investments”, i.e. ensuring an inclusive approach to the gender dimension. Also, the Law provides for an institutional framework for ensuring equal opportunities between women and men by designating the competent authorities with the remit in the field: the Parliament, the Government, the Governmental Commission for equality between women and men, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Protection, the line ministries and other central public administration bodies (CPA) and local public administration bodies (LPA).

Although the adoption of legislation in the field was crucial to ensure de jure equal treatment for women and men, due to a deficient implementation mechanism, for a period, the Law did not provide a suitable framework for the achievement of the objectives. Thus, ensuring de facto equality is, at times, endangered, being a process that must be supported by consistent actions and joint efforts of government structures, development partners, non-governmental organizations and the entire society, both at the level of policies and specific actions to overcome the existing barriers.

In this regard, the Government adopted Law no. 71 (as of 14 April 2016), which amended 15 national laws, including the Electoral Code, the Law on Government and the Labour Code of the Republic of Moldova with the following key changes:

• The introduction of 14 calendar days of paid paternity leave; • Prohibition of sexist language but also sexist images in media and advertising; 6 The universal declaration of human rights (1948), the Convention on the political rights of women (1952), the international Cov- enant on the rights of the economic, social and cultural (1966), the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (1979), Platform and Plan of action of Beijing (1995), Millennium Declaration (2000), the Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) etc.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 11 • The establishment of the Coordination Group for gender equality in central public administration; • Extending the responsibilities of local public authorities with regard to gender equality; • The establishment of the groups coordinating the field of gender equality in the subdivisions with the powers for developing, promoting and monitoring policies in the scope of central public authorities. Another improvement of the legal framework related to gender equality is the Law No 1967 (as of 28 July 2016) on the amendment and supplementing of legislative acts in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence. The law was drafted on the basis of compatibility report of national legislation with the provisions of the Convention of the Council of Europe and aims to harmonise the national legal framework in the field of prevention and combating domestic violence to international standards. The key changes refer to: • Improving the mechanism of protection of the victim by means of a new institution “the emergency restraining order”, applied by the police for a period of up to 10 days; • The inclusion of a new offence “Acts of persecution”, which refers to the persecution of a person repeatedly; • Expanding the circle of subjects in the Criminal Code through the inclusion of partners, parents and children, relatives and their affinity on the straight line living together or separately; • Enlarging the spectrum of rights for victims of domestic violence through: the establishment of the right to financial compensation from the state for the damage caused by the criminal offence under conditions laid down by legislation, reporting by specialists in the field of the cases of violence only with the consent of the victim; • Exemption from the state fee for the submission of the application for issuance of protection orders; • The establishment of free telephone-based service for counselling callers on a 24/7 basis and creating a WEB page to inform the general public about the phenomenon and the services available. In April 2017, the Government of the Republic of Moldova adopted the new Strategy for equality between women and men8. The major goal of the strategy lies in the empowerment of women and achievement of de facto equality between women and men, through the realization of five broad goals followed by specific objectives, in the reference areas:the provision of a complex approach to equality between women and men; strengthening the institutional mechanism of ensuring equality between women and men; fight against gender stereotypes in the society and promoting non-violent communication; promotion of gender equality in the security and defence sector; gender-sensitive budgeting. The objectives set for the next five years reflects the global trends and the realization of the commitments undertaken internationally by the Republic of Moldova, focused on ensuring respect for human rights, the functioning of democracy and economic growth based on competitiveness. Although the content of the Strategy does not include a major or specific objective explicitly targeting women in rural areas, achieving the objectives would lead to an increase in the quality of life of women in rural areas, given that the majority of the objectives refer to the female population predominantly in rural areas. The Progress Report on the implementation of the Strategy9 for the year 2017 stresses

7 Law No 196 of 28 July 2016 on the amendment and supplementing of legislative acts in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence. http://lex.justice.md/md/366648/ 8 Strategy for equality between women and men, http://lex.justice.md/viewdoc.php?action=view&view=doc&id=370442&lang=1 9 Progress report on the implementation of the Strategy for equality between women and men, https://msmps.gov.md/sites/de- fault/files/document/attachments/raport_snaefb_20171.pdf

12 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study that certain goals have good indicators, while some are in progress or with less successful data, due to reduced funding. Also, in the Republic of Moldova, starting with the year 2015, a series of dialogues, round tables and meetings have been held to enhance the level of information of representatives of public authorities and civil society on the provisions of the Resolution 1325, organized by several development partners. These events were attended by civil servants, MPs, members of the Common Platform for Dialogue of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, activists in the field of gender equality, national and international experts, etc. They have created an appropriate framework for the development of a national Programme for the implementation of the Resolution 1325 with the support of UN Women and the Government of Sweden.

We note that Resolution 1325 was approved by the Security Council of the United Nations on 31 Octo- ber 2001. This resolution is the first document that directly addresses the impact of war on women and their contribution to resolving conflicts and achieving peace. Thus, in March 2018, the Government of the Republic of Moldova approved the National Programme for the implementation of Resolution 1325 of the UN Security Council on women, peace and security for the years 2018-2021, and the Ac- tion Plan on its implementation10.The national Action Plan recognizes the important role of women in strengthening peace and security, and proposes concrete steps in order to remove the barriers identified that reduce the representation and influence of women in the security system.

In February 2018 the Moldovan Government adopted the national Strategy for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, for the years 2018-2023, and the Action Plan for the 2018-2020 for its implementation11. This strategy is consistent with the Council of Europe Con- vention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Con- vention) which provides for standards for the prevention of gender-based violence, protecting victims of violence, and the punishment of the aggressors.

Among the objectives of the Strategy are:

• Prevention of violence against women and domestic violence through the cultivation of zero tolerance to violence. Combating stereotypes and prejudices that lead to violence against women and domestic violence. Informing, raising awareness and encouraging reporting of cases of violence;

• Initial and continuous training of specialists in the field of prevention and combating domestic violence based on a common vision at the state level;

• Strengthening of the education system to ensure education of the new generations in terms of the values of equality between women and men and a culture of non-violent communication;

• Strengthening the mechanisms of protection and assistance to victims of violence against women and domestic violence. Developing specialized services for victims of violence, including sexual violence, in line with international standards;

• Promoting women’s economic empowerment and socio-economic independence;

• Strengthening the response of the healthcare system in cases of domestic violence;

• The investigation and prosecution of acts of violence against women and domestic violence;

10 The national program for the implementation of Resolution 1325 of the UN Security Council on women, peace and security for the years 2018-2021, http://lex.justice.md/md/374810/ 11 The national strategy for preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, http://lex.justice.md/index. php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=374992

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 13 • Ensuring integrated policies in cases of violence against women and domestic violence, based on multi-sectoral cooperation and data collection and other specific objectives.

An important element is the collection and provision of gender disaggregated data by the National Bureau of Statistics though the Stat Bank which contains a separate compartment on gender statistics, with an ample set of data tables, from different areas, useful from the gender equality analysis view- point and creation of the user friendly platform: www.genderpulse.md.

On the left bank of the Nistru River there is no legal framework regulating equality between women and men, explicitly. The legal-regulatory framework on implicit issues addressing the situation of women and men currently includes: Constitution of the so-called Transnistrian Moldovan Republic, the Code of Administrative Offences, the Code on Marriage and Family, the Criminal Code and Code of Criminal Procedures.

The legislative provisions on the rights and freedoms of citizens from the Transnistrian region (including issues related to equality between women and men) are contained, first, in the Constitution:“Ev - eryone has the same rights and freedoms and are equal before the law, without distinction of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, origin, belief, personal and social status”.

Some aspects of women’s rights are contained in the Code of Marriage and Family. Thus, Article 17 sets out the principles of equality of spouses in family relations: in the matter of education of children, freedom to choose an occupation, a profession, place of residence and stay; it specifies the obligation of spouses to build their family relationships based on respect and mutual aid, to promote welfare and strengthen the family, to take care of their children’s development.

The mechanism of provision of pensions is fixed in the existing model of pension, established in the Transnistrian Law of 17 February 2005 No 537-З-III “On the security of the state pensions of the citizens”; thus, the pension is calculated for each pensioner individually, based on the total work record and wages (or other income). Despite the discussions at global and national level on raising the retirement age, in the Transnistrian region it will remain the same: for men - 60 years of age, and for women - 55 years.

Some civil society organisations make considerable efforts in advocacy to promote the legal framework on prevention of violence, although even in this direction there aren’t any progresses. For example, many development partners conducted at the beginning of 2018 meetings on the topic of violence against women in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova. The NGO Interaction12 indicates that victims of domestic violence can contact the NGOs, or they can call the hotline.

This year, the Republic of Moldova continued to implement certain activities in view of the reintegration of the country and thus, in April 2018 the Government Decision “On the Approval of the Program of Reintegration of the Country for 2018” was approved.13”. The program aims at carrying out activities for the development and modernization of the institutions of the educational system and of the system of culture, rehabilitation of aqueducts, street lighting, as well as other activities related to the achievement of the government’s reintegration target. These activities will be implemented by local and central public authorities in the localities from the Security Zone and inhabitants from the left bank of the Nistru River will also benefit. Following the competition, held in the period 01 January to 10 Feb- ruary 2018, the Commission consisting of representatives of the relevant ministries selected 49 most

12 Article: Say No to the violence in the family, Spune NU violenţei în familie, http://ngointeraction.org/main/en/prioriteti/net- nasiliy-v-semie 13 Program activities for reintegration of the country for the year 2018,http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&la ng=1&id=375192

14 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study competitive projects out of 140 proposals submitted for the competition. The total value of projects selected falls in the amount of 15 million MDL, allocated for this purpose by art.3 c) of the Law on the state budget for the year 2018 No 289 of 15 December 201714.

1.2. Initiatives of development partners and civil society on both sides of the Nistru River Currently, on the right bank of the Nistru River, at the Ministry of Justice are registered over 10.000 republican public associations. According to estimates made by the most important donors in the Republic of Moldova some around 200 NGOs are active. The number of local public associations is unknown because the local authorities do not submit the appropriate information to the Ministry of Justice, so that, even at the level of society and even at the level of authorities, the actual total number of civil society organisations in the Republic of Moldova is unknown.

The majority of Civil Society Organizations registered (about 65%) are located in Chisinau municipality, although this territorial unit represents only about 25% of the total population of the country. Accord- ing to unofficial estimates, in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova there are registered about 2,500 public associations. In the Republic of Moldova there is a number of 1.9 Civil Society Or- ganisations per 1000 inhabitants, which represents a progress compared with Ukraine (1.2) and the Russian Federation (1.6). But this number is considerably lower in comparison with some countries of Eastern Europe, such as Romania (2.9), Macedonia (5.6), Hungary (6.6) or Croatia (9.6).

According to the estimates of some studies, only about 25% of the total number of CSOs are sufficiently active and develop various projects and initiatives, the reasons include both a lack of funding from within the country and the lack of mechanisms for generating revenue through the provision of the services.

According to estimates of the Association ADEPT, currently, the associative sector from the Republic of Moldova is present in different areas, the main being the field of education and training (50%), social services (40.8%), community development (36.9%), civic participation (26.2%), health and youth (19.2% each) and culture (16.9%).

The most active NGOs on the right bank of the Nistru River which implement projects with social impact (See Table 5 in the Annex) in the field of promotion of women and gender equality on the right bank of the Nistru River are:

• Political Club of Women 50/50 • National Centre of Roma • The Centre “Partnership for Development” • Gender-Doc • The Women’s Law Centre • Institute for Democracy • International Centre La Strada • Artemida • Gender-Centre • Vesta • Casa Mărioarei • Centre for the Rights of Persons with Disabili- • Institutum Virtutes Civilis ties • Promo-Lex • Legal Resources Centre from Moldova • The Centre for Training in Reproductive Health • Conflict Resolution Institute INRECO • The Independent Press Association • The Rehabilitation Centre of Victims of Torture • Adept “Memory” • The Institute for Public Policy (IPP) • Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Mol- • Expert Group dova • The IDIS Viitorul Institute • The PRO Didactica Educational Centre • Forum of Women Organizations of the Republic of • The Centre for Independent Journalism Moldova • The Contact Centre

14 In the period 2011-2017, 10 programs of the country’s reintegration activities were implemented, with the allocation of about 82 million MDL, and the realization of 306 projects for the development and modernization of institutions in the educational system, repairs of roads and buildings, reconstruction of aqueducts, street lighting, rehabilitation and consolidation of public services at the local level, etc.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 15 Most prominent gender activists and NGOs are united within the Platform for Gender Equality (https:// egalitatedegen.md/en), which is a voluntary association of individuals and organisations that act as a unified voice for active promotion of gender equality. The platform was launched on 19th of June, 2015. Currently, it has 29 members and it is still open to new members.

On the left bank of the Nistru River there are NGOs, which operate in various fields and which implement projects with direct impact on women in rural areas (See Table 5 in the Annex). The main areas of activity of NGOs from the left bank are: youth empowerment, social protection, trainings and education, the welfare of the population, etc.

The most active NGOs in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova in the field of promoting the rights of women are:

• The Centre Rezonans • The Women’s Union of Dubasari • NGO Stimulus • Association of Families with Many Children • NGO Interaction • The Association of the Women’s Movement «Ти- • The Association «Mothers for Human Rights» распольчанка» •The Association «The Promotion of Effective Justice» • NGO “For the Care of Children” • The Initiative Group «Prosvet» • The Women’s Union in Grigoriopol • The Centre for Psychological Support Lada • The Association «Women for Rights and Freedoms» • The Social Service Centre Perspective • The Ecological Club of the Women in the Area of • The Women’s Union for the Defence of Transnistria, the Nistru Bender • The Committee of Women in Dubasari City • The Committee of Women in the Camenca Rayon

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova declares availability and interest in cooperating with the civil society, and presents a list of the NGOs15, in this regard, but it is not updated and contains incorrect data. According to some experts at some public meetings certain NGOs are not admitted, or invitations are sent to specific actors in the associative sector, considered more loyal to the current political regime.

In the optional module “Gender Equality and Effectiveness of External Assistance Coordination”, developed voluntarily by the Government of the Republic of Moldova in 2010-12, a comprehensive mapping of donors concerned with gender equality was made. Thus, it was found that some bilateral donors such as Sweden (Embassy of Sweden/SIDA), Austria (ADA), the U.S. (USAID), the UK (DFID), the Swiss Agency for Development, Norway, and Finland have special Government Policies and Action Plans to promote gender equality. The assistance provided by these donors was/is granted in accordance with the national strategies and the action plans adopted, through the country strategy for Moldova. Thus, according to the data for that period, Sweden was the largest bilateral donor, consistently supporting gender equality and women’s human rights in cooperation with Moldova since 1998.

The promotion of gender equality and the human rights of women plays a very important role in the policy agenda of the Swedish Government at global level and is also a priority topic in cooperation for international development. The study emphasizes that Sweden, as a bilateral partner of Moldova, has ratified all International Treaties on Human Rights, including CEDAW, and the Government of Sweden has a special policy aimed at the promotion of gender equality, both in the country and in cooperation for international development described in its policy for Global Development (2003).

15 Lista părţilor interesate de procesul legislativ sistematizată pe domenii de activitate ale Comisiilor parlamentare permanente, http://www.parlament.md/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=%2FdsqQky%2Fio8%3D&tabid=60&language=ro-RO

16 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Another study16 of IPP and the Expert group noted in 2012 that DFID, ADA, SDC, USAID address gender equality as a cross-cutting issue of human rights and call for all their programmes to include the gender dimension in all activities, to present sex-disaggregated data for monitoring and assessment and to include, at the stage of developing the project, a gender analysis of sectors. These approaches of the donors have served as the impetus for many national NGOs and local governments to integrate a gender perspective in the projects and its activities. A few of the bilateral donors, as SDC and ADA, integrate and monitor the gender perspective in the “non-traditional” areas, such as infrastructure projects, water supply and sanitation etc. The same cross-cutting strategy is applied by the World Bank and the OSCE, the major donors in Moldova, which implement and call, in turn, the integration of the gender dimension in all their programs and projects. In the case of multilateral donors, (the UN family), the process of integration of the gender dimension is part of the mandate of all United Nations agencies, and UN Women remain to be the most important actor in this regard.

Another important donor, the European Union, operates on the basis of comprehensive frameworks, which set out explicit commitments to promote gender equality in all its policies. Each program/project, funded by the EU, establishes the requirement to take into account aspects of gender equality, in accordance with its international commitments. The same principle applies to the development and assessment of the calls for tender, but, at the present time there are no specific projects related to gender implemented in the Republic of Moldova and financed by the EU.

There are also a few bilateral donors such as Romania, Poland, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, whose capabilities and interest in the field of gender is difficult to analyse, due to the lack of relevant information.

It should be noted that 5-7 years ago all donor agencies started to allocate positions in the staff for the Gender Focal Points, responsible for the integration of the gender dimension in projects at the stage of elaboration and monitoring of the contribution from the point of view of the impact/results from the gender perspective. Sometimes, in the country teams, experts in the field of gender equality, as part of the official delegations of the bilateral donors (ADA, Swiss Agency, DFID and USAID) come to carry out certain studies/research/analyses.

Only a few development partners underline in their mandate the area of intervention in the Transn- istrian region (e. g., the EU, UN, OSCE, SDC, etc.). Of these, the OSCE has included activities explicitly addressed to NGOs from the Transnistrian region, such as: human rights trainings, monitoring compliance, capacity building of journalists and members of NGOs, including capacity building of lawyers on the both banks of the Nistru River, etc.

Development partners active in Moldova:

• The Czech Development Agency • International Organization for Migration (IOM) • The U.S. Agency for International Development (US- • Internews AID) • Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) • AHEAD-Moldova • Leavitt Institute • The Eastern Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Trans- • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia port (EASST) • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany • The Bulgarian Embassy • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Re- • The Swiss Embassy public • The Embassy of the United Kingdom • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Nether- • Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands lands

16 Terzi-Barbăroșie, D., Studiu de evaluare Promovarea egalitatii genurilor si a femeilor, http://ipp.md/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/ ODM3_ro.pdf

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 17 • The US Embassy • The Federal Ministry for Economic Coopera- • The Embassy of Sweden tion and Development of Germany • The Embassy of Hungary • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark • The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway (ABA ROLI) • National Endowment for Democracy (NED) • Austrian Development Agency • The Office of the UN High Commissioner for • Austrian Embassy Human Rights (OHCHR) • The Balkan Documentary Centre • One World Romania • The World Bank • World Health Organization (WHO) • The Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and La- • Organization of the United Nations (UN) bour of the US Department of State • The Organization for Economic Cooperation • The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation (BST) and Development (OECD) • British Council • OSCE • Caritas Czech Republic • People in Need • Civil Rights Defenders • Pestalozzi • The European Commission • PolishAid • The Council of Europe • The United Nations Development Programme • Czech Development Agency (UNDP) • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusam- • Slovak Agency for International Development menarbeit (GIZ) Cooperation of the SlovakAid • Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie • SOIR • FHI360 • Solidarity Fund PL • The Energy Efficiency Fund • Swedish International Development Agency • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) (SIDA) • The National Fund for Regional Development (NFRD) • Swiss Agency for Development and Coopera- • Fund for Democracy of the United Nations (UNDEF) tion • Fund Visegrad • Austrian Development Agency • Foundation “John Paul II” • Austrian Embassy • The Swiss Foundation HEKS • The Balkan Documentary Centre • East-European Foundation • The World Bank • The European Chess Foundation Kasparov • The Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and • Foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Labour of the US Department of State • Foundation Friedrich Naumann for Freedom • The Black Sea Trust for Regional Cooperation • Hanns Seidel Foundation (BST) • Robert Bosch Foundation • British Council • The Soros Foundation Moldova • Caritas Czech Republic • Foundation of the Liechtenstein Development Ser- • Civil Rights Defenders vice (LED) • Terre des Hommes • Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria • UKAid • Goethe Institut • A Women • The Government of Great Britain • UNHCR • The Government of Poland • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime • The Government of Romania (UNODC Moldova) • The Government of Slovakia • United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) • IM Swedish Development Partner • The European Union • International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) • World Jewish Relief (WJR)

18 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Among them, the most interested in the field of gender equality, which especially support projects in this field are:

• The Government of Sweden • FHI 360 • The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation • US Embassy • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark • The OSCE Mission to Moldova • The European Union (EU) • National Endowment for Democracy • UN Women Moldova • The East-European Foundation • The United States Agency for International Development • The Soros Foundation-Moldova (USAID) • The British Embassy in Chisinau

The political situation in the country has led to a crisis in the NGO sector. The number of donors interested in the development of civil society, in the implementation of activities, like trainings of people which would activate in the third sector, is small or „non-existent”. The NGOs Council have not updated the information on its site during the last four years so it is difficult to estimate the real numbers of NGOs active, as well as the numbers of NGOs which became active during the same period. The same is valid also for the gender mainstreaming and that despite the fact that there are some activities in the field, but they are not calculated.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 19 II. THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF RURAL WOMEN FROM BOTH BANKS OF THE

NISTRUII. TRIVERhe quality of life of rural women from both banks of the Nistru river

2.1. Perceptions2.1. Percep tonion qualitys on qua lofity life of life The respondents' attitude towards the social life aspects of the rural environment is relatively positive. The respondents’ attitude towards the social life aspects of the rural environment is relatively positive. Most (about 70%) respondents are satisfied with the family and personal life; this also characterizes the Most (about 70%) respondents are satisfied with the family and personal life; this also characterizes the value system of women in rural areas. The economic aspects that characterize the material situation and value system of women in rural areas. The economic aspects that characterize the material situation living conditions are those that awaken the highest level of dissatisfaction among women in rural areas. and living conditions are those that awaken the highest level of dissatisfaction among women in rural Thus, every third rural woman is not satisfied/not at all satisfied with the way she lives, the material areas. Thus, every third rural woman is not satisfied/not at all satisfied with the way she lives, the mate- situation and the workplace (See Figure 1). rial situation and the workplace (See Figure 1). Figure 1. Ratio of women’s satisfaction in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru river on the Figure 1. Ratio of women’s satisfaction in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River on the following aspects, % following aspects, %

The family life 69 12,9 14,2 3,9

The personal life 67,5 16 14,1 2,4

The way in which they live 49,1 18,9 31,6 0,4

The material situation of the family 38,2 22,1 38,9 0,8 On the situation on the place of work 35,3 17,4 26,1 21,2

Very happy/Pretty pleased Neither happy nor unhappy Not too satisfied/Not at all satisfied I don't know /can't answer

In regardIn to regard the situation to the situa at thetion placeat the of place work of, thework study, the studyshows shows the same the same trends trends for thefor thewomen women on on both both banks ofbanks the Nistru of the River. Nistru About river. Abouta third a of third the of respondents the respondents on the on rightthe right and and left leftbank bank of theof the Nistru Nistru River river stated thatstated they that are notthey satisfied/not are not satisfied/not at all satisfied at withall satisfied the situation with theat work situation (27.1%) at of work the (27.1%)respondents of the from therespondents left bank and from 24% the of left the bank respondents and 24% of fromthe respondents the right bank). from the right bank).

DependingDepending on other on socio-demographic other socio-demographic indicators, indicators, we findwe find that that the the degree degree of ofdissatisfaction dissatisfaction withwith the the economiceconomic aspects aspects(living conditions, (living conditions, material material situation, situation, including including the situation the situation at the at place the place of work) of work) increases withincreases the increasingwith the increasing age of the age respondents. of the respondents. The correlation The correlation analysis analysis highlights highlights the the same same trends trends for bothfor banks both of banks the Nistruof the River.Nistru Toriver. a greater To a greater extent extent are dissatisfied are dissatisfied women women aged aged 50 50 years years and and older,older, with poorwith education poor education (incomplete (incomplete secondary secondary education) education) and and low low incomes, incomes, divorced divorced or widow women. women.

Table 1. Women's degree of satisfaction with the way they live, the material situation and the work Table 1. Women’s degree of satisfaction with the way they live, the material situation and the work place, % place, % Very Pretty Neither happy, Not too Not at all Very Pretty Neither Not too Not at DK/NADK/ happyhappy happyhappy nor unhappyhappy, nor happyhappy happyall NA The share of women satisfied withthe way in which they live 24 The right bank of the Nistru River 12.1 37.4 28.2 16.7 5.5 0.2 The border area 11.2 41.3 25.2 1.0 5.8 0.5

20 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study The left bank of the Nistru River 11.2 38.0 9.4 33.4 7.6 0.5 The share of women satisfied withthe material situation The right bank of the Nistru River 9.2 30.2 35.1 18.5 6.5 0.4 The border area 7.3 34.5 31.6 21.8 4.4 0.5 The left bank of the Nistru River 9.1 28.2 8.7 38.6 14.2 1.2 The share of women satisfied withthe job situation

The right bank of the Nistru River 7.2 27.9 22.5 13.1 11.6 17.8 The border area 9.2 29.6 21.4 15.5 6.8 17.5 The left bank of the Nistru River 9.6 25.9 12.4 19.1 8.0 25.0

The level of social integration of rural women was assessed on the basis of perceptions related to the functionality of social groups in the community (the family, the community, the LPA). Even if, the respondents face economic problems, characterized by a high level of dissatisfaction with living conditions and material situation, however, more than half of the respondents’ state that: I feel I have many possibilities in life (63.3%), they feel that in the family, their opinion counts (81.0%), they feel that in the community the opinion of women counts (64.9%). This fact demonstrates a high level of integration and networking of women in the following social groups: family, neighbourhood/community groups. To a lesser extent, the respondents say that their opinion is taken into consideration by the LPA (to 36.3%). Every second woman feels that she cannot participate in the development of the locality in which she lives (See Figure 2).

Figure 2. The level of agreement of the rural women from both banks of the Nistru River towards the following situations, %

As a woman I feel that I have many possibilities in my life 63,3 34,7 2 As a woman I feel that others in the family take into account my opinion 81,5 16,4 2,1 As a woman I feel that others in the community take account of my opinion 64,9 29,4 5,8 As a woman I feel that I can participate in the development of the locality in which I… 52,5 42,6 4,8

36,6 56,8 6,6

Totally agree/partially Agre Disagree partially/strongly disagree Don't know/can't answer

The comparative analysis for the right and left bank of the Nistru river shows approximately the same The comparativetrends of analysisthe perceptions for the right of rural and women left bank towards of the expressing Nistru River and shows considering approximately the opinion the ofsame the woman trends ofin the the perceptions family environment of rural women and community. towards expressing However, and women considering of the left the bankopinion of theof the Nistru wom state- to a an in thegreater family environment extent that thei andr opinioncommunity. is taken However, into account women inof thethe familyleft bank and of community the Nistru state compared to with a greaterwomen extent fromthat theirthe right opinion bank is of taken the Nistru into accountriver (See in Table the family 2). and community compared with women from the right bank of the Nistru River (See Table 2). Table 2. Perceptions with regard to expressing and taking into consideration the opinion of women in the family and community, disaggregated by regions, %

Partial Total Partial Total DK/ The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study disagree 21 agreement agreement disagreement NA ment As a woman I feel that others in the family take into account my opinion? The right bank of the Nistru river 42.6 35.4 13.9 6.0 2.0 The border area 50.1 3.0 12.1 3.9 2.9 The left bank of the Nistru river 45.8 39.1 8.5 4.3 2.3 As a woman I feel that others in the community take into account my opinion? The right bank of the Nistru river 18.4 39.7 25.5 10.4 6.1 The border area 22.7 38.0 28.4 6.5 4.4 The left bank of the Nistru river 28.0 43.9 14.6 8.1 5.4 Perceptions on the level of involvement of rural women in the development of the locality differ in the case of the two banks of the Nistru river. The study of perceptions with regard to women's participation in different activities in the community/civic participation highlights that women from the right bank (59.6%) believe that they can participate in the development of the community in which they live to a greater extent compared with women from the left bank of the Nistru river (45.5%). The same situation is also found in the case of the interrelation of women with LPA. Women from the right bank (44.4%) report that their opinion and the issues they face are taken into consideration by the leadership of the communities in which they live, compared with women from the left bank (28.8%) (See Table 3).

Table 2. Perceptions with regard to expressing and taking into consideration the opinion of women in the family and community, disaggregated by regions, %

Total Partial Partial dis- Total dis- DK/NA agreement agreement agreement agreement As a woman I feel that others in the family take into account my opinion? The right bank of the Nistru River 42.6 35.4 13.9 6.0 2.0 The border area 50.1 3.0 12.1 3.9 2.9 The left bank of the Nistru River 45.8 39.1 8.5 4.3 2.3

As a woman I feel that others in the community take into account my opinion?

The right bank of the Nistru River 18.4 39.7 25.5 10.4 6.1 The border area 22.7 38.0 28.4 6.5 4.4

The left bank of the Nistru River 28.0 43.9 14.6 8.1 5.4

Perceptions on the level of involvement of rural women in the development of the locality differ in the case of the two banks of the Nistru River. The study of perceptions with regard to women’s participation in different activities in the community/civic participation highlights that women from the right bank (59.6%) believe that they can participate in the development of the community in which they live to a greater extent compared with women from the left bank of the Nistru River (45.5%). The same situation is also found in the case of the interrelation of women with LPA. Women from the right bank (44.4%) report that their opinion and the issues they face are taken into consideration by the leadership of the communities in which they live, compared with women from the left bank (28.8%) (See Table 3).

Depending on other socio-demographic indicators we find that perceptions of the level of involvement of women on the left and right bank of the Nistru River in the development of the community is greater in the case of young women, with higher education and with average and high income.

Table 3. Perceptions regarding expressing and taking into account the opinion of women in the LPA, disaggregated by regions, %

Total Partial Partial dis- Total dis- DK/ NA agreement agreement agreement agreement

As a woman I feel that I can participate in the development of the locality in which I live?

The right bank of the Nistru River 22.1 37.5 22.6 13.3 4.5 The border area 33.0 31.6 21.9 9.2 4.4 The left bank of the Nistru River 17.0 28.5 18.3 31.1 5.1 As a woman I feel that those who lead the locality in which I live, take into account my issues/proposals The right bank of the Nistru River 12.4 32.0 30.2 20.2 5.2 The border area 17.6 27.6 32.6 18.7 3.6 The left bank of the Nistru River 9.4 19.4 21.8 41.1 7.9

22 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study The main values of women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River are: the family/family climate, health, material well-being and education of children. Less important are the following values: professional affirmation (13.4%), further education (10%), political stability (5.8%), friends (5.3%), environment (3.6%), family security in relation to conflict, violence and crime (2.7%), etc. (See Figure 3).

The analysis of the women’s value system in rural areas confirms the existing traditional vision that the role of women in the villages is to create a family and to raise children. The need for further education and women’s professional affirmation is not a priority, this fact making most women from rural areas, economically vulnerable.

Figure 3. The system of values of rural women from both banks of the Nistru River

Family, family climate 65,9

Personal health 60,8

Children's health 58,1

Money, material well-being 32,3

The education of children 19,5

Professional career/work affirmation 13,4

Studies, continuing studies 10,0

Political stability 5,8

Another value 16,1

The comparative analysis for the right and left bank of the Nistru river does not highlight differences in The comparative analysis for the right and left bank of the Nistru River does not highlight differences the value system of the respondents. Thus, for both women from the right bank and for the women in the value system of the respondents. Thus, for both women from the right bank and for the women fromfrom the theleft bankleft bankof the of Nistru the RiverNistru - family river and- family health and are healthfundamental are fundamental values. Material values. well-being Material is well-being is moremore important important for women for women from the from right the bank, right while bank, the educationwhile the of education children is ofmentioned children more is mentioned by more by womenwomen from from the leftthe bank left bankof Nistru of NistruRiver and river those and from those the from border the area. border area. Family security and political stability do not represent the key values for women in rural areas, being Family security and political stability do not represent the key values for women in rural areas, being located at the bottom of their list of values. Political stability is valued more by women from the right banklocated and the at security the bottom of the familyof their in relationlist of values.to conflicts, Political violence stability and crime is valued – by the more women by fromwomen the from the right leftbank bank anof dthe the Nistru security River ofand the the family border in area relation (See Table to conflicts, 4). violence and crime – by the women from the left bank of the Nistru river and the border area (See Table 4). Table 4. The distribution of the system of values of women on both banks of the Nistru River, % Table 4. The distribution of the system of values of women on both banks of the Nistru river, %

The right bank of the The border The left bank of the Nist- The The left bank Nistru River The rightarea bank of ru River border of the Nistru the Nistru river Personal health 47.5 55.2 area74.0 river Family, family climate 61.8 66.3 69.8 Children’sPersonal health health 48.8 65.1 47.5 67.155.2 74.0 EducationFamily, offamily children climate 16.2 29.5 61.8 23.066.3 69.8 Children's health 48.8 65.1 67.1

The EducationPerspective of Women of children in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 16.2 29.523 23.0 Money, material well-being 43.1 20.5 21.5 Studies, continuing studies 12.4 9.1 7.7 The affirmative action of the professional 21.3 6.3 5.4 career/the work The security of the family in relation to 1.9 3.6 3.4 conflicts, violence and crime Political stability 10.5 4.4 1.4

Money, material well-being 43.1 20.5 21.5 Studies, continuing studies 12.4 9.1 7.7 The affirmative action of the profes- 21.3 6.3 5.4 sional career/the work The security of the family in relation 1.9 3.6 3.4 to conflicts, violence and crime Political stability 10.5 4.4 1.4

EvenEven if they if they are arefaced faced with with a multitude a multitude of ofsocial social problems, problems, women women in in rural areas have anan optimisticoptimistic Even if they are faced with a multitude of social problems, women in rural areas have an optimistic perceptionperception of the of the future future (61.2%). (61.2%). Only Only 10% 10% of of respondents respondents say say they they are are pessimistic pessimistic whenwhen theythey think think perception of the future (61.2%). Only 10% of respondents say they are pessimistic when they think aboutabout the aboutthe future. future. the The future. The comparative comparative The comparative analysis analysis analysis for for the thefor right theright right and and andleft left leftbank bank bank ofof thetheof the NistruNistru Nistru riverRiver river shows shows shows a aalevel levellevel of of optimismoptimismoptimism higher higher among higher among among women women women on on the the on right rightthe right bank bank ofof thethe of theNistru Nistru Nistru river River river and and and those those those from from localities localities localities situated situated situated in in in thethe security securitythe security zonezone (Seezone Figure(SeeFigure Figure 5). 5). 5).

Figure 4. The perception of the future by rural Figure 5. Perceptions of future by women in rural FigureFigure 4. The 4. perception The perception of the of futurethe future by rural by rural FigureFigure 5. PerceptionsPerceptions ofof futurefuture byby women women in in rural rural women from both banks of the Nistru river, % areas, by regions, % womenwomen from bothfrom banksboth banks of the of Nistru the Nistru River, river, % % areas, by regions,areas, % by regions, %

4,2 4,2 The Theleft leftbank bank of of 57,557,5 26,226,2 1111 9,4 9,4 the theNistru Nistru river river

Border area 70,1 16,9 9,8 25,2 25,2 Border area 70,1 16,9 9,8 61,2 61,2 The right bank of The right bank of 65 24,1 7,7 the Nistru river 65 24,1 7,7 the Nistru river

0% 50% 100% 0% 50% 100% Optimistic Reserved Pessimistic NK/NA Optimistic Reserved Pessimistic NK/NA Definitely YES Rather YES It is hard to say Definitely YES Rather YES It is hard to say

2.2. Social Problems The main social problems that affect rural women from both banks of the Nistru River are: poor quality of medical services (57.6%) or the lack of medical services (53%), poverty associated with unfavourable living conditions2.2. Soc iandal P rreducedoblems possibilities of employment (See Figure 6). 2.2. STheoci amainl Pro socialblem problemss that affect rural women from both banks of the Nistru river are: poor quality TheFigure mainof medical 6.social The problemsmainservices problems (57.6%) that affect facedor the rural bylack respondents womenof medical from services on both both banks(53%), sides ofpoverty of the the Nistru Nistruassociated river River, are:with % poor (partunfavourable quality1) of medicalliving servicesconditions (57.6%) and reduced or the possibilitieslack of medical of em servicesployment (53%), (See Figurepoverty 6). associated with unfavourable living conditionsThe poor and quality reduced of medical possibilities services of employment57,6 (See Figure 6). 39,7 2,7 Figure 6. The main problems faced by respondents on both sides of the Nistru river, % (part 1) Figure 6. The main problems facedPoverty by respondents on54,8 both sides of the Nistru river,44,3 % (part1,0 1)

The lack of medical services 53,7 45,1 1,2

Limited possibilities of employment 53,6 43,1 3,3

Living conditions unfavorable 46,3 51,4 2,4

To a very large extent/large extent To a small extent/not at All Don't know/can't answer

Poverty and employment migration of the economically active population creates in chain multiple social24 problems: ageing of the rural Thepopulation, Perspective of increasingWomen in Rural the Areas rate on both of Banks morbidity of the Nistru in ruralRiver / areas,Sociological the study 29 decline in the number of population and lack of young people in the community are just a few problems mentioned by the participants in the group discussions. Women participating in the group discussions29

said that sometimes, as a refuge for many of the economic problems, “a great part of the rural population consumes alcohol and socially degrades”. It is possible that these addictive behaviours occur as a reaction to dysfunctional stressful situations, lack of solutions, resources and ineffective conflict management. The women participating in the discussions indicated that in such situations the risk of violence against women increases. Even if the survey does not show that the problem of violence is a major problem that affects women (3.7%of the respondents believe that this issue affects them), however, qualitative research allows us to see that approximately half of the population from rural areas is affected by this phenomenon (See Chapter VI, paragraph 6.2. Violence against women).

"In large part the problems of women on the right and left bank of the Nistru river are the same, just that perhaps it's time for them to get out of this inhibited area and say that they want to be supported or helped. There is the problem of trafficking, violence against women, but the authorities of Transnistria will deny that they have such issues related to women. Currently, Tiraspol wants to show that everything is good for them in this chapter, with the exception of the economic aspect”. I_MD_expert_7

"Poverty is the biggest problem in rural areas: lack of money, which comes from the lack of jobs and emigration to work abroad, worsening the situation of the elderly left without care. Who to take care of them, if the relatives have gone abroad. The social worker no longer has time for everyone/Women are beaten up, cursed... yes, domestic violence happens in every second home. And where shall they go... and what are the police doing? The police open a criminal case and make him pay a fine. The money to pay the fine still comes from the family budget”- FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă.

The study participants noted that “women from the left bank are different to the women from the right bank of the Nistru river”. The population from the left bank (both women and men) is perceived by the study participants from the right bank of Nistru river as: "modest, inhibited, withdrawn and without

Poverty and employment migration of the economically active population creates in chain multiple social problems: ageing of the rural population, increasing the rate of morbidity in rural areas, the decline in the number of population and lack of young people in the community are just a few problems mentioned by the participants in the group discussions. Women participating in the group discussions said that sometimes, as a refuge for many of the economic problems, “a great part of the rural population consumes alcohol and socially degrades”. It is possible that these addictive behaviours occur as a reaction to dysfunctional stressful situations, lack of solutions, resources and ineffective conflict management. The women participating in the discussions indicated that in such situations the risk of violence against women increases. Even if the survey does not show that the problem of violence is a major problem that affects women (3.7%of the respondents believe that this issue affects them), however, qualitative research allows us to see that approximately half of the population from rural areas is affected by this phenomenon (See Chapter VI, paragraph 6.2. Violence against women).

“In large part the problems of women on the right and left bank of the Nistru River are the same, just that perhaps it’s time for them to get out of this inhibited area and say that they want to be supported or helped. There is the problem of trafficking, violence against women, but the authorities of Transnistria will deny that they have such issues related to women. Currently, Tiraspol wants to show that everything is good for them in this chapter, with the exception of the economic aspect”. I_MD_expert_7

“Poverty is the biggest problem in rural areas: lack of money, which comes from the lack of jobs and emigration to work abroad, worsening the situation of the elderly left without care. Who to take care of them, if the relatives have gone abroad. The social worker no longer has time for everyone/Women are beaten up, cursed... yes, domestic violence happens in every second home. And where shall they go... and what are the police doing? The police open a criminal case and make him pay a fine. The money to pay the fine still comes from the family budget”- FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă.

The study participants noted that “women from the left bank are different to the women from the right bank of the Nistru River”. The population from the left bank (both women and men) is perceived by the study participants from the right bank of Nistru River as: “modest, inhibited, withdrawn and without initiative”. These features could determine a fairly low level of involvement of the women of the left bank of the Nistru in the life of the community. In the view of the participants, the social life in the territory of the left bank has not suffered any changes from the time of the Soviet Union. The mentality, the values and living conditions/physical infrastructure of the villages have remained the same.

“There is no change in infrastructure, if you want to see how it was in the Soviet Union then go there. Nothing has changed in the villages ... they have transportation only twice per day if compared to us, the right bank, we have a lot of transport”. I_MD_APL_1

Some of the interviewees believe that “women on both banks of the Nistru River are facing the same problems common for the whole republic and that there are no problems specific to the region. In general, the problems of women are: unemployment among women, alcoholism among women, domestic violence, etc.” I_MS_APL_5. The problems are the same, just that the level of information of women from the left bank is much lower. In large part, women don’t know where to go and what possibilities are there to solve the problems they face. Some women “endure in silence” according to traditional visions, believ- ing that “ they should keep it in the family “ (I_MS_expert_9).

Experts from the left bank of the Nistru River stated that many problems are due to the status of a closed state, which limits all the initiatives and interventions for development (I_MS_expert_8). The most affected in the rural areas are housewives/elderly, women who work in agriculture and women with many children. It is continuous increase in the share of elderly women, which requires various types of social and medical services at the rural level.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 25 Many of the problems faced by women are due to the traditional stereotypes and the patriarchal vision that the woman’s place is in the kitchen and not where the decisions are made. The stereotyped visions regarding women’s roles are found more amid the population from the left bank of Nistru River compared to the other regions.

Although practices show that women’s involvement in management structures is much more effective (in the case of Scoreni village in Straseni, it is attested that woman’s leadership has led to a higher level of investment and local development projects in the community: full renovation of the main road in the village, partnerships with economic leaders for the employment of housewives, renovation of the kindergarten and school in the village etc.), however, in many communities there is a lack of confidence that the woman will be able to cope with strategic issues for the country.

The problems related to the poor quality of medical services or lack thereof are felt more by the women of the left bank of Nistru River (approx. 60%), compared with women on the right bank and the border area (approx. 50%) (See Chapter V. Women’s Health in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River). The poor economic situation and poverty also affect women in the 3 sub-samples. The problems caused by the limited possibilities of employment and unfavourable conditions of living affect to a greater extent the women from the left bank of Nistru River compared to the other categories of respondents (See Table 5).

Table 5. Distribution of the problems affecting to a very large extent/large extent the women on both banks of the Nistru River, % (part 1)

The right bank of The left bank of The border area the Nistru River the Nistru rive

Another problem that directly affects the situation of the family, family climate, family functionality, the demographic structure of the country is emigration for work purposes abroad. The study included trends of migration of women, and analysed the willingness and availability of women to emigrate for work abroad. The data of our study attests that every fifth woman in the rural areas (21.7%) definitely wants to emigrate to work abroad if she has such chance and 17.3% of the respondents said that even if they are not safe, they would still rather emigrate

The comparative analysis by regions, allows us to see a higher trend towards the emigration of women from the right bank and the security zone, compared to women from the left bank of the Nistru River. This fact is due to the open doors migration policy /freedom of movement and increase of the level of poverty in rural areas (lack of job opportunities, low quality medical services, lack of cultural recreation facilities, etc.) (See Figure 7).

26 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Table 5. Distribution of the problems affecting to a very large extent/large extent the women on both banks of the Nistru river, % (part 1)

The right bank The left bank The border of the Nistru of the Nistru area river rive

The poor quality of medical services 53.3 50.3 62.4 Poverty 54.4 53.3 55.2 The lack of medical services 46.1 49.3 61.7 Limited possibilities of employment 47.3 50.1 59.9 Living conditions unfavourable 37.7 44.1 55.0 Another problem that directly affects the situation of the family, family climate, family functionality, the demographic structure of the country is emigration for work purposes abroad. The study included trends of migration of women, and analysed the willingness and availability of women to emigrate for work abroad. The data of our study attests that every fifth woman in the rural areas (21.7%) definitely wants to emigrate to work abroad if she has such chance and 17.3% of the respondents said that even if they are not safe, they would still rather emigrate

The comparative analysis by regions, allows us to see a higher trend towards the emigration of women from the right bank and the security zone, compared to women from the left bank of the Nistru river. This fact is due to the open doors migration policy /freedom of movement and increase of the level of poverty in rural areas (lack of job opportunities, low quality medical services, lack of cultural recreation facilities, etc.) (See Figure 7). Figure 7. The share of women from rural areas who intend to emigrate for work abroad, % Figure 7. The share of women from rural areas who intend to emigrate for work abroad, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 15,1 21,9 12,5

Border area 35,5 10,8 11,1

The right bank of the Nistru river 28,5 12,6 11,5

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Definitely YES Rather YES It is hard to say

To smaller extent women in rural areas consider that they are affected by problems related to overload with household unpaid work (40.3%), reduced access to social and leisure services (32.6%), limited To smaller extent women in rural areas consider that they are affected by problems related to overload access to water, sewerage and heating (33.4%), the unsettled Transnistrian conflict (21%), domestic with household unpaid work (40.3%), reduced access to social and leisure services (32.6%), limited violence, etc. access to water, sewerage and heating (33.4%), the unsettled Transnistrian conflict (21%), domestic violence, etc.

Figure 8.Figure The main 8. The problems main problems faced by faced the respondentsby the respondents from rural from areas rural areason both on sides of the Nistru 32 river, % (part 2) both sides of the Nistru River, % (part 2)

Overload with unpaid work in the household 40,3 54,3 5,4

Reduced access to social services, leisure and social activities 32,6 63 4,3

Limited access to the following utilities: water, sewer, heating 33,4 64,3 2,3

The Transnistrian conflict unsettled 21,6 68,2 10,3

Limited places in institutions of preschool education 18,9 77,1 4

To a very large extent/large extent To a small extent/not at All Don't know/can't answer

The problemThe problem of the unsettledof the unsettled Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict conflict affects affects more more women women of theof theright right bank bank of ofthe the Nistru Nistru River andriver women and women who livewho in live localities in localities in the in immediatethe immediate vicinity vicinity of ofthe the security security zone, zone, compared compared withwith the the womenwomen from from the the left left bank bank of ofNistru Nistru River river (See (See Chapter Chapter VII.VII. KnowledgeKnowledge andand attitudes attitudes about about the the unsettled unsettled Transnistrian Conflict). Conflict).

TableTable 6. Distribution 6. Distribution of the of problems the problems affecting affecting to a tovery a largevery largeextent/large extent/ largeextent extent the womenthe women on both on both banks of the Nistru river, (partbanks 2), %of the Nistru River, (part 2), %

The right The left The border The right bank ofbank The of theborder The left bankbank of of the area the Nistru RiverNistru riverarea the NistruNistru River river

OverloadOverload with unpaid with unpaid work in work the inhousehold the household 42.1 42.143.1 43.138.5 38.5

Reduced access to social services, leisure and social 37.4 35.4 27.7 The Perspectiveactivities of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 27 Limited access to the following utilities: water, sewage, 38.7 41.2 28.2 heating

The unsettled Transnistrian conflict 25.1 31.7 18

Limited places in institutions of preschool education 29.4 28.8 8.4

Not all the representatives are aware that women have problems in the community. They consider that the problems mentioned are characteristic to all, including women and men. For this reason, women's issues rarely get discussed at the meetings of the District Council.

"I don't see any problems. If there are problems, then they are general for the entire population. Maybe yes, you need to help people in some way, for example to give them wood for heating in the winter, for

Reduced access to social services, leisure and 37.4 35.4 27.7 social activities Limited access to the following utilities: water, 38.7 41.2 28.2 sewage, heating The unsettled Transnistrian conflict 25.1 31.7 18 Limited places in institutions of preschool edu- 29.4 28.8 8.4 cation

Not all the representatives are aware that women have problems in the community. They consider that the problems mentioned are characteristic to all, including women and men. For this reason, women’s issues rarely get discussed at the meetings of the District Council.

“I don’t see any problems. If there are problems, then they are general for the entire population. Maybe yes, you need to help people in some way, for example to give them wood for heating in the winter, for those who don’t have natural gas etc. this type of things, yes, we have them, but nothing else.” I_MS_APL_32.3. 2.3. Living conditions and access to basic services

The living conditions and women’s access to goods and basic services is an important element of the assessment of the quality of life of citizens. In the sample investigated we find that 90 percent of the population has access to basic goods, including: electricity, television, mobile and landline telephones, fridge, cooking stove connected to natural gas. The majority of respondents (70%) have computers with internet connection, have access to water and sewage system, own heating. Only a third of women have access in their household to a functional car (38.1%), which represents one of the sources of access to services (educational and medical) at the community level and district level.

Comparative analysis of the living conditions of women from the right and the left bank certifies ap- proximatively the same trends, with the exception for a few indicators: the female population of the left bank has a greater access to sewage system, own heating and centralized water system, compared with the female population from the right bank. (See Table 7).

Table 7. The access of women from rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River to the goods in the household, %

The right bank of The border The left bank of Yes the Nistru River area the Nistru River Functional TV 97.3 96.8 93.3 97.7 Functional Computer 71.8 62.6 64.8 81.4 Internet connection 73.2 66.0 68.9 80.7 Landline telephony 89.4 86.2 85.1 92.5 Mobile telephony 90.6 86.1 88.1 95.6 Functional Refrigerator 96.5 93.4 94.9 99.7 Washing machine 83.0 80.9 82.1 85.3 Air conditioner 19.7 17.9 8.9 21.4 Stove connected to gas 91.3 87.2 76.7 95.4 Car 38.1 36.7 38.6 39.4 Access to the centralized water sys- 74.9 62.4 48.7 87.6 tem /tap in the house

28 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Central heating system 19.6 26.1 15.4 13.2 Own heating 67.4 48.0 34.0 87.4 Sewage system 57.6 42.8 47.9 73.0 Electricity 97.9 97.2 98.3 98.8

The analysis of women’s access to the main institutions in the community stating that about every woman has access to services provided by public authorities (village hall, local Council), public institutions (educational institutions) and the Church.

The study shows differences concerning the access of women from the right and the left bank of Nistru River to the community institutions. Women from the left bank of the Nistru River have less access to educational services rendered by educational institutions, health services (Centre of family doctors), services for young people in the community, vocational training and continuous training and media services, compared with women from the right bank (See Table 8).

Table 8. The access of women from rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River to the institutions of the community, %

The right bank of The bor- The left bank of Total the Nistru River der area the Nistru River The local council 98.7 100.0 85.4 99.0 The priest / the Church Council or Reli- 98.2 99.0 100.0 97.4 gious Organizations/the local Church The police 96.1 95.4 80.7 96.7 Village hall 91.2 100.0 85.4 82.4 Preschool educational institution 87.1 97.9 92.3 76.1 Pharmacy 78.6 68.2 50.6 89.2 Leisure centres/ institutions of leisure 69.4 50.6 37.1 88.7 (the house of culture, concert hall, cafes) Institution of secondary education 47.3 87.8 80.3 6.3 Centre of family doctors 41.4 82.0 80.2 0.2 Centres that provide healthcare services 15.6 18.6 23.3 12.7 for the elderly and persons with disabilities Non-governmental organizations (the 15.4 12.4 13.2 18.4 Centre for youth friendly health, etc.) High School 12.8 25.2 24.5 0.3 Day centres for young people 6.3 12.4 13.2 0.2 Local media (press, radio, television) 5.8 9.4 6.6 2.3 Institutions of vocational training and 1.3 2.3 6.6 0.3 continuous training

The level of involvement of institutions from the community in solving the problems that affect rural women is quite low. To a greater extent, women are supported by public institutions: Family Doctors Centre (49.3%), educational institutions (43.6 %), church (43.4%), day centres for young people (39.9%).

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 29 Less, in solving the social problems faced by rural women, are involved: the institutions of public order (Police – 36%), NGOs (35.2%), the local Council (31%) etc. (See Table 9).

Table 9. Institutions in the community who are involved to a very large extent/large extent in the solution of problems faced by rural women from both banks of the Nistru River, % (part 1)

To a very large ex- The right bank of The bor- The left bank of tent/Large extent the Nistru River der area the Nistru River Centre of family doctors 49.3 49.1 46.8 100 (N=428) High School Educational Insti- 43.6 43.6 42.0 48.6 tution (N=132) The priest/ the Church Coun- cil or religious organisation / 43.4 60.6 53.3 26.1 local church (N=1017) Day centres for young people 39.9 41.0 48.9 0.0 (N=66) Secondary School Educational 39.1 40.0 42.0 27.9 institution (N=490) Local media (press, radio, TV) 39.9 45.9 20.0 16.0 (N=60) Pharmacy (N=815) 38.4 48.2 52.2 30.7

The correlation analysis highlights the differences on the level of involvement of institutions from the community in solving the problems faced by women. With the exception of the Centre of Family Doc- tors and Educational Institutions, the other public and private institutions in the communities from the left bank of the Nistru region give pretty little support for women in rural communities. Compared with the communities from the right bank the level of involvement of public institutions from the left bank of the Nistru in helping and supporting women in the community is two times lower (See table 10).

Table 10. The level of involvement of institutions from the community in solving the problems faced by women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River, % (part 2)

To a very large ex- The right bank of The bor- The left bank of tent/Large extent the Nistru River der area the Nistru River Police (N=995) 36.1 47.4 48.7 25.1 NGOs (youth friendly health 35.2 59.6 58.3 18.9 centres etc.) (N=160) Village hall (N=945) 34.1 49 48.8 16.2 Centres that provide medical services to elderly and persons 42.5 50.9 23.5 34.7 with disabilities (N=161) Local Council (N=1022) 31.0 45.2 42.8 16.5

30 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study The Local Public administration has an active role in solving the problems faced by the female population. Even if the LPA does not specifically address women’s issues, however many of the actions taken have had a positive impact on the general population, including women.

In collaboration with the associative sector and with the support of donors there have been implemented a number of community projects which have contributed to increasing the quality of life of women in rural areas: street lighting, gasification of rural communities’ projects, creation of Centres for Persons with Special Educational Needs within the school, drinking water supply of the rural population projects, the empowerment of women in the development of their own business etc.

Many of these initiatives would not be achieved without the support of the international donors. The projects mentioned above have been implemented both on the right and on the left bank of the Nistru River. However, the infrastructure of rural communities from the left bank of the Nistru is underdeveloped, compared with rural communities from the right bank.

«The possibilities of accessing development projects on the left bank of the Nistru River are much fewer, the representatives of the associative environment confronted with numerous administrative barriers in the process of elaboration and implementation of the strategic plans», I_MS_femeie leader _10.

Many of the projects conducted have involved a partnership between NGOs from both banks of the Nistru River (see Chapter I, paragraph 1.2. Initiatives of development partners and civil society on both sides of the Nistru River). The topic of women is discussed more in the projects that are being implemented in the villages.

The benefits of these actions have contributed to the development of community infrastructure (repair of roads in the communities of the countryside, repair of school buildings and houses of culture), the creation of support services to vulnerable groups.

“A million MDL invested in the kindergarten, which has changed the lives of women and the mentality. It was a village hall project. At present all the educators from the kindergarten have higher education and that due to my urge as mayor, I supported increasing the level of education of the women in the village to provide them with a higher salary. We have motivated them to come into the village, having adequate working conditions and good nourishment” - I_MD_APL_1

The level of involvement of local authorities in solving the problems of women depends on the level of knowledge and interest of the mayor. The mayors who are former school principals or women – mayors address more women’s issues in the community. The absence of NGOs in their locality prevent much community involvement in solving the problems of the community. In this sense, the involvement of initiative groups and local parental associations in the school represent the basic structures in terms of the development of civic behaviour of the villagers.

The main role of the LPA is to inform, support and provide public services to different categories of social groups, including women. The priorities of the LPA in relation to the situation of women in the community are focused on ensuring the living conditions that empower women in rural areas. Anoth- er innovative activity, carried out by some of the mayors, participants in the study, is the analysis of local budgets from a gender perspective. In this regard a training course was developed for the local authorities and the NGO sector. Also, with the support of the donors a training on the theme of gender equality was carried out for the Presidents of District Councils, etc.

In many communities, there is a “great gap between women’s needs and LPA priorities. Representa- tives of these groups seem to speak in different languages, women do not feel they are heard“, (I_MD_ female leader _3).

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 31 The main role of the LPA is to inform, support and provide public services to different categories of social groups, including women. The priorities of the LPA in relation to the situation of women in the community are focused on ensuring the living conditions that empower women in rural areas. Another innovative activity, carried out by some of the mayors, participants in the study, is the analysis of local budgets from a gender perspective. In this regard a training course was developed for the local authorities and the NGO sector. Also, with the support of the donors a training on the theme of gender equality was carried out for the Presidents of District Councils, etc.

In many communities, there is a "great gap between women's needs and LPA priorities. Representatives of these groups seem to speak in different languages, women do not feel they are heard ", (I_MD_female leader _3). In this regard, women should be much more active and aware of their rights and request from LPA to be more actively involved in solving social problems. In this regard, women should be much more active and aware of their rights and request from LPA to be more actively"And involved women in need solving to socialknow problems.their rights, because they complain ... but they do not write complaints, do not file requests, do not ask the LPA to get involved or solve some cases. Maybe “And women need to know their rights, because they complain ... but they do not write complaints, it's because they do not know their rights or maybe because they expect everything will just be do not file requests, do not ask the LPA to get involved or solve some cases. Maybe it’s because they do made available to them", I_MD_femeie leader _3. not know their rights or maybe because they expect everything will just be made available to them”, I_MD_femeieThe most qualitative leader _3. services offered at community level in the opinion of the respondents are the The mostfollowing: qualitative emergency services services offered (52.9%), at community educational level services in the (51%),opinion services of the providedrespondents by community are the following:institutions, emergency such servicesas church, (52.9%), day care educational centres for serviceschildren, (51%),etc. (47%) services and public provided health by services community (32.5%). institutions,The Local such Public as church, Administration day care centres ranks atfor thechildren, bottom etc. of (47%) the list,and beingpublic rated health only services by 25.7% (32.5%). of the The Localsurveyed Public wo Administrationmen (See Figure ranks 9). at the bottom of the list, being rated only by 25.7% of the surveyed women (See Figure 9). Figure 9. The degree of satisfaction of respondents towards the quality of services in the community, Figure% 9. The degree of satisfaction of respondents towards the quality of services in the community, %

51 Education, study 39,3 35,3 Public health services, health care 32,5 23,9 services 58,6 Services offered at the level LPA 25,7 19,2 (social assistance, social assistance) 55,2 Services offered by other institutions 47 32,4 in the community 41,1 52,9 Emergency services 35,8 31,9

Very satisfied/Fairly satisfied Neither Satisfied/Not too satisfied Not too satisfied/not at All satisfied

32 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study III. STUDIES AND THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION OF WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE NISTRU RIVER

3.1. Level of studies

Of the total number of the sample (1242 women) from the research, there were 522 women from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River, 514 from the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River and 206 women from the settlements that are located directly on the right bank of the Nistru River (the so-called border area).

The research analysed the level of studies and the education of women in these groups to elucidate which are the larger groups of women in rural areas, according to the criterion of studies completed. Thus, in the group of women from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River the majority (35.1%) are women with secondary/vocational studies, while in the group of localities on the left bank of the Nistru River, this percentage is higher and constitutes 41.6% (See Table 11).

In the group of women from the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River are fewer women with high school/college education, it accounted for only 9.5%, while the number of women with higher education is highest (28.8%) (See Table 11).

Table 11. The level of education of women in rural areas by regions, %

The right bank of the The border The left bank of the Nistru River area Nistru River

Incomplete secondary education 23.6 22.5 19.7 General school/vocational training 35.1 37.3 41.6 High School/College 19.7 17.0 9.5 Higher education 20.6 22.0 28.8

In the group of women from villages in the border area women who have completed general/vocational studies/ and sub-groups of women with incomplete secondary education prevail, while the share of women with higher education is approximately the same as the one in the group of women in the localities on the right and left banks of the Nistru River.

In the localities in the border area the number of women with high school and/or college education (17%) is roughly the same as the number of women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River (19.7), with a large discrepancy compared to the percentage of women with the same level of studies on the left bank of the Nistru River (9.5%).

The comparative analysis of the level of studies on subsamples of the three categories of localities has revealed a few peculiarities. From the data available in the research it is evidenced that of the total sample with three subsamples, the largest group are women with vocational education and incomplete secondary education, and the lowest is composed of women with master’s and doctor’s degree, on the one hand and those without studies or with primary education unfinished, on the other hand. At the same time, the percentage of women with incomplete higher education (bachelor’s degree) is approximately the same in all three groups of women. In the group of women with vocational school studies as well as with complete higher education, more women are from localities from the left bank of the Nistru River.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 33 Table 12. The level of studies and the distribution of the subsamples, %

Total for all The right bank of The border The left bank of 3 regions the Nistru River area the Nistru River No education, primary unfinished 0.9 1.4 1.0 0.4 (up to 4 forms) Primary (4 forms) 2.7 1.6 2.6 3.9 Incomplete secondary education (9 18.0 20.6 18.8 15.4 forms) Secondary (general) school (10-11 14.5 17.1 16.4 11.7 forms) High school (12 forms) 4.2 8.0 4.9 0.5 Trade school (1 year of training) 4.2 5.1 5.0 3.4 Vocational school (3 years of training) 19.6 12.8 15.9 26.5 College (2-5 years of training) 10.4 11.7 12.1 9.0 Incomplete higher education (bach- 11.9 12.3 11.5 11.7 elor’s degree) (3 years of studies) Complete higher education (mas- 12.3 7.7 9.7 16.8 ter’s degree) (4-6 years of study) Master’s, Doctorate 0.5 0.6 0.9 0.3

3.2. Perceptions on the importance of the studies

The interviews and discussions in groups, both with women actively involved and those in passive or minority groups, have highlighted the fact that women in rural areas attach great value to education; the majority of them arguing in favour of the children’s education, so they continue their studies in spite of the economic problems of the family.

“I have always dreamed of being an educator, but my parents did not have enough money at those times to afford my education. I always wanted to go back to studies, but my husband laughed at me, and I could not even enrol in distance learning as he did not support me. Now I regret this and he regrets it, too. However, I succeeded it with my children, both of whom have higher education and have good jobs in Comrat and Chisinau. Had I been more brave in my youth and did not listen to my husband so much, we would’ve had a different life, certainly a better one FG_MD_UTAG.“

Some women participating in the qualitative research marked the level of women’s studies as a go card in life, even if they don’t get to practice after finishing the studies due to lack of opportunities in the village, their chances at self-affirmation would have been higher, anyway.

“If the Roma women had better education, regardless whether they work or not, I would have wanted and sure that I would’ve succeeded to involve them more in community life and even in politics. Through my own example of a Roma woman who has succeeded. In our village the Roma are appreciated because they are householders and because they have education. If more women had undergone through several trainings and workshops, as in Chisinau, sure it would have been more Roma women in the most important areas both on the decision-making level as well as in business”, I_MD_ femeie lider_5.

34 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study laughed at me, and I could not even enrol in distance learning as he did not support me. Now I regret this and he regrets it, too. However, I succeeded it with my children, both of whom have higher education and have good jobs in Comrat and Chisinau. Had I been more brave in my youth and did not listen to my husband so much, we would’ve had a different life, certainly a better one "FG_MD_UTAG.

Some women participating in the qualitative research marked the level of women's studies as a go card in life, even if they don't get to practice after finishing the studies due to lack of opportunities in the village, their chances at self-affirmation would have been higher, anyway.

“If the Roma women had better education, regardless whether they work or not, I would have wanted and sure that I would’ve succeeded to involve them more in community life and even in politics. Through my own example of a Roma woman who has succeeded. In our village the Roma are appreciated because they are householders and because they have education. If more women had undergone through several trainings and workshops, as in Chisinau, sure it would have been more Roma women in the most important areas both on the decision-making level as well as in business”, I_MD_femeie lider_5.

In exchange, the women with the low degree of participation seem to be more sceptical about the In exchange, the women with the low degree of participation seem to be more sceptical about the continuation of their studies or courses of professional requalification, invoking, in large part, the lack of continuation of their studies or courses of professional requalification, invoking, in large part, the lack employment opportunities or low wages. of employment opportunities or low wages. “There is no 100% guarantee that you're going to work according to the education you received, “There is no 100% guarantee that you’re going to work according to the education you received, before theybefore used they to assignused to you, assign but you, they but don’t they longer don’t do longer it. Unless do it. you Unless have you prospects have prospects to work andto work be paid, thenand be yes, paid, but thenotherwise...for yes, but otherwise...for what good?” whatFG_MD_Zonă_limitrofă good?” FG_MD_Zonă_limitrofă

AlthoughAlthough the the women women involved involved in thein the quantitative quantitative research research do do not not have have the the highest highest level level of of education, education, 58.7%58.7% of the of therespondents respondents consider consider that that getting getting higher higher education education would would improve improve their their lives, lives, while while only only 12.9%12.9% don’t don't see see a connection a connection between between level level of of education education and and thethe quality ofof life.life.

However,However, the thepercentage percentage of womenof women who who believe believe so so is theis the lowest lowest in inthe the localities localities on on the the left left bank bank of of the the NistruNistru River river (50.3%) (50.3%) as opposedas opposed to tothe the localities localities from from the the right right bank bank (66.7%) (66.7%) and and in in the the border border areas areas (64%)(64 (See%) (See Figure Figure 10). 10).

Figure 10. TheFigure opinion 10. of The rural opinion women of ruralabout women the following about the statement: following Gettingstatement: higher education will contribute to a betterGetting life, % higher education will contribute to a better life, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 50,3 35,4 14,3

Border area 64 29,3 6,7

The right bank of the Nistru river 66,7 27,1 6,2

Very great extent/ great extent Small extent/ not at all I don't know

41 When When asked asked to what to what extent extent they have they been have supported been supported by parents by parents to do studies to do studiesthe majority the majority of re- of spondentsrespondents (61.8%) (61.8%) responded responded that theythat theyhad beenhad been encouraged encouraged “very “very much” much” and “much”,and “much”, while while 9.1% 9.1% of of womenwomen claim claim that that they they were were not atnot all at supported all supported by the by parents.the parents. The comparativeThe comparative analysis analysis of the of three the three subsamplessubsamples did didnot notreveal reveal certain certain differences differences in the in thebehaviour behaviour of parentsof parents who who supported supported women women in in accessaccess to education. to education. Figure 11. Supporting parents in access to education, disaggregated by areas, % Figure 11. Supporting parents in access to education, disaggregated by areas, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 41,9 19,1 22,8 12,2 4,1

Border area 41,9 19,1 22,8 12,2 4,1

The right bank of the Nistru river 37,2 25,8 21,3 9,0 6,8

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% very much much little at all NS/NR

WhenWhen asked asked if they if they thought thought to continue to continue their their studies, studies, the majoritythe majority of respondents of respondents (54.7%) (54.7%) answered answered affirmatively, but the comparative analysis on the three subsamples highlighted the fact that the wom- affirmatively, but the comparative analysis on the three subsamples highlighted the fact that the women from the villages in the border area have responded affirmatively in a greater proportion than those The Perspectivefrom the of Womenlocalities in Rural on Areas the on right both Banks and of left the Nistrubanks River of / theSociological Nistru study river (See Figure 12). 35

Figure 12. The distribution, by regions, of women interested in further studies, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 50,9 38,3 10,8

Border area 70,3 27,1 2,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 58,7 36,2 5,1

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Yes Not NS/NR

Although the motivation to continue studies is large, the majority of women participating in the survey (57.4%) have pointed out that they do not have sufficient resources to continue studies at a higher level in the case when they had to decide that. The comparative analysis of the three subsamples of women highlighted the fact that the percentage of women who do not have sufficient financial resources to continue their studies is higher in the localities on the left bank of the Nistru river (52.5% versus 62.4% and 62.5% in the other two subsamples) (See Figure 13).

When asked to what extent they have been supported by parents to do studies the majority of respondents (61.8%) responded that they had been encouraged “very much” and “much”, while 9.1% of women claim that they were not at all supported by the parents. The comparative analysis of the three subsamples did not reveal certain differences in the behaviour of parents who supported women in access to education.

Figure 11. Supporting parents in access to education, disaggregated by areas, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 41,9 19,1 22,8 12,2 4,1

Border area 41,9 19,1 22,8 12,2 4,1

The right bank of the Nistru river 37,2 25,8 21,3 9,0 6,8

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% very much much little at all NS/NR

When asked if they thought to continue their studies, the majority of respondents (54.7%) answered affirmatively, but the comparative analysis on the three subsamples highlighted the fact that the women en fromfrom the the villages villages in in the the border border area area have have responded responded affirmatively affirmatively in in a agreater greater proportion proportion than than those those fromfrom the thelocalities localities on theon the right right and and left left banks banks of theof the Nistru Nistru River river (See (See Figure Figure 12). 12).

Figure 12.Figure The distribution, 12. The distribution, by regions, by regions, of women of women interested interested in further in further studies, studies, % %

The left bank of the Nistru river 50,9 38,3 10,8

Border area 70,3 27,1 2,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 58,7 36,2 5,1

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Yes Not NS/NR

Although the motivation to continue studies is large, the majority of women participating in the survey Although the motivation to continue studies is large, the majority of women participating in the survey (57.4%)(57.4%) have have pointed pointed out outthat that they they do not do havenot have sufficient sufficient resources resources to tocontinue continue studies studies at aat higher a higher level level in thein thecase case when when they they had hadto decide to decide that. that. The comparativeThe comparative analysis analysis of the of three the three subsamples subsamples of women of women highlightedhighlighted the the fact fact that that the thepercentage percentage of women of women who who do not do nothave have sufficient sufficient financial financial resources resources to to continuecontinue their their studies studies is higher is higher in the in localitiesthe localities on the on leftthe bankleft bank of the of Nistruthe Nistru River river (52.5% (52.5% versus versus 62.4% 62.4% andand 62.5% 62.5% in the in the other other two two subsamples) subsamples) (See (See Figure Figure 13). 13).

Figure 13. The availability of financial resources for further education, Figure 13. The availability of financial resources for further education, disaggregated by geographical42 area, % disaggregated by geographical area, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 23,5 52,5 24,0

Border area 28,2 62,5 9,4

The right bank of the Nistru river 26,0 62,4 11,7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Yes Not NS/NR

3.3.3 Sources.3. Sourc ofes informationof information In viewIn view of the of factthe thatfact thatempowerment empowerment of women of women is based is based in large in large part parton access on access to various to various sources sources of of information,information, current current research research has hasanalysed analysed various various aspects aspects of the of the provision provision of informationof information to womento women in in ruralrural areas areas in in the the localities localities on on the the right right and and left left bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru River, river, as as well well as as in in the the border border area. area.

The Themost most popular popular sources sources of information of information for thefor womenthe wom ofen the of wholethe whole sample sample are: TVare: (84.9%), TV (84.9%), Social Social Networks (43.1%), Internet (various websites), (43%) and Radio (42.1%). The least popular sources of Networks (43.1%), Internet (various websites), (43%) and Radio (42.1%). The least popular sources of information are newspapers/magazines (17.5%). information are newspapers/magazines (17.5%).

Analysis of sources of information for the women in the three subsamples revealed some differences. Thus, 36while the majority of womenThe from Perspective all three of Women subsamples in Rural Areas are on both informed Banks of the mainly Nistru River from / Sociological TV, the study women from the localities in the border area are informed less via radio (24.8%) compared with women in the localities on the left bank (43.7%) and those from the localities on the right bank (40.5%).

Figure 14. The main sources of information of Table 13. Sources of information for rural women, women on both banks of the Nistru river, % disaggregated by geographical regions, %

TV 84,9 The The The right border left Social networks 43,1 bank area bank

Online (different sites) 43 TV 82.3 77.3 87.5

Radio 42,1 Radio 40.5 24.8 43.7 On-line (different 38.9 49.6 47.3 Newspapers/ magazines 17,5 websites) Social Networks 31.7 23.5 54.5 NȘ/NR 1,7 Newspapers/magazines 19.5 15.7 15.4 None 0,5 None 1.1 2.6 0.0 DK/NA 2.2 0.5 1.1

Figure 13. The availability of financial resources for further education, disaggregated by geographical area, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 23,5 52,5 24,0

Border area 28,2 62,5 9,4

The right bank of the Nistru river 26,0 62,4 11,7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Yes Not NS/NR

3.3. Sources of information In view of the fact that empowerment of women is based in large part on access to various sources of information, current research has analysed various aspects of the provision of information to women in rural areas in the localities on the right and left bank of the Nistru river, as well as in the border area.

The most popular sources of information for the women of the whole sample are: TV (84.9%), Social Networks (43.1%), Internet (various websites), (43%) and Radio (42.1%). The least popular sources of information are newspapers/magazines (17.5%). Analysis of sources of information for the women in the three subsamples revealed some differences. Thus, Analysiswhile the of majority sources ofof womeninformation from for all threethe women subsamples in the arethree informed subsamples mainly revealed from TV, some the womendifferences. from theThus, localities while the in majoritythe border of womenarea are from informed all three less subsamples via radio (24.8%) are informed compared mainly with from women TV, the in womenthe localitiesfrom on the the localities left bank in (43.7%) the border and area those are from informed the localities less via onradio the (24.8%) right bank compared (40.5%). with women in the localities on the left bank (43.7%) and those from the localities on the right bank (40.5%).

FigureFigure 14. 14. The The main main sources sources of informationof information of of TableTable 13. 13. Sources Sources of informationof information for ruralfor ruralwomen, women, womenwomen on on both both banks banks of of the the Nistru Nistru River, river, % % disaggregateddisaggregated by bygeographical geographical regions, regions, % %

TV 84,9 The rightThe The borThe- The leftThe

bank rightder areaborderbank left Social networks 43,1 bank area bank TV 82.3 77.3 87.5 Online (different sites) 43 RadioTV 40.5 82.324.8 77.343.7 87.5 On-line (different Radio Radio 38.9 40.549.6 24.847.3 43.7 42,1 websites) On-line (different Social Networks 31.7 38.923.5 49.654.5 47.3 Newspapers/ magazines 17,5 websites) Newspapers/maga- Social Networks 19.5 31.715.7 23.515.4 54.5 NȘ/NR 1,7 zines NoneNewspapers/magazines1.1 19.52.6 15.70.0 15.4 None None 1.1 2.6 0.0 0,5 DK/NA 2.2 0.5 1.1 DK/NA 2.2 0.5 1.1

In contrast, the women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River (31.7%) and those from 43 the localities in the border area (23.5%) are informed less through social networks than women in the In contrast,In contrast, the the women women in thein the localities localities on onthe the right right bank bank of ofthe the Nistru Nistru river river (31.7%) (31.7%) and and those those from from the the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River (54.5%). With a small difference (approx.2%), women in the localitieslocalities in the in the border border area area (23.5%) (23.5%) are are informed informed less less through through social social networks networks than than women women in in the the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River used newspapers and magazines more than women in localitieslocalities on onthe the left left bank bank of theof the Nistru Nistru river river (54. (54.5%).5%). With With a smalla small difference difference (approx.2%), (approx.2%), women women in in the the the other two subsamples. localitieslocalities on onthe the right right bank bank of theof the Nistru Nistru river river used used newspapers newspapers and and magazines magazines more more than than women women in in the the otherBecauseother two two televisionsubsamples. subsamples. was the major source of information to women in rural areas on the right and left bank of Nistru River, as well as in the border area, the TV stations that are accessible to women were Becauseanalysed.Because television Thus, television when was was askedthe the major tomajor list source thesource TV of stationsofinformation information accessible, to towomen women women in inrural inrural theare are asgeneralas on on the thesample right right and listedand left left the bankfollowingbank of Nistruof sources:Nistru river, river, as aswell well as asin thein the border border area, area, the the TV TV stations stations that that are are accessible accessible to to women women were were analysedanalysed. Thus,. Thus, when when asked asked to tolist list the the TV TVstations stations accessible, accessible, women women in inthe the general general sample sample listed listed the the followingfollowing sources: sources: Figure 15. Access for women in the general sample to TV stations on both banks of the Nistru River, % FigureFigure 15. 15. Access Access for for women women in thein the general general sample sample to toTV TV stations stations on on both both banks banks of of the the Nistru Nistru river, river, % % V channels from the right bank of the Nistru River TV stations on the left bank of the Nistru River TVT TVchannels channels from from the the right right bank bank of theof the Nistru Nistru river river TVTV stations stations on on the the left left bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru river river

PRIMEPRIME 45,2 45,2 Transnistria TV/TV PMR Transnistria TV/TV PMR 4848 MoldovaMoldova 1 1 44,644,6 Jurnal TV Jurnal TV 26,726,7 TCBTCB 47,4 ProTV 47,4 ProTV 24,324,3 Canal 2 Canal 2 23 23 БТВБТВ (Бендеры) (Бендеры) 4,6 RTR Moldova 4,6 RTR Moldova 22,622,6 Publika TV Publika TV 20,520,5 ТВКТВК 51 51 2,9 Canal 3 2,9 Canal 3 18,118,1 NTV NTV 15,315,3 AnotherAnother TV TVstation station 5,5 N4 5,5 N4 9,6 9,6

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 37

In theIn the general general sample sample the the most most popular popular TV TVstations stations are: are: Transnistria Transnistria TV/TV TV/TV PMR, PMR, TCB, TCB, Raw Raw and and Moldova Moldova 1. At1. theAt the same same time, time, 39.5% 39.5% women women in thein the general general sample sample prefer prefer to towatch watch the the news news in inRussian, Russian, 33.5% 33.5% womenwomen in the in the Moldovan/Romanian Moldovan/Romanian language, language, and and 23.3% 23.3% respon respondentsdents watch watch news news in inboth both languages. languages. The comparative analysis of the responses of women on the language in which they're watching the The comparative analysis of the responses of women on the language in which they're watching the news has highlighted the fact that more women from villages in the border area (33.6%) follow the news news has highlighted the fact that more women from villages in the border area (33.6%) follow the news in both languages. Also, more women in this subsample (24.9%) than women in the localities on the in both languages. Also, more women in this subsample (24.9%) than women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru river watch the news in Russian (See Figure 16). right bank of the Nistru river watch the news in Russian (See Figure 16). Figure 16. Language preference of women for watching the news. The language in which they follow Figure 16. Language preference of women for watching the news. The language in which they follow news, by subsamples, % news, by subsamples, %

44 44

In the general sample the most popular TV stations are: Transnistria TV/TV PMR, TCB, Raw and Moldova 1. At the same time, 39.5% women in the general sample prefer to watch the news in Russian, 33.5% women in the Moldovan/Romanian language, and 23.3% respondents watch news in both languages.

The comparative analysis of the responses of women on the language in which they’re watching the news has highlighted the fact that more women from villages in the border area (33.6%) follow the news in both languages. Also, more women in this subsample (24.9%) than women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River watch the news in Russian (See Figure 16).

Figure 16. Language preference of women for watching the news. The language in which they follow news, by subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 8,6 61,5 26,6 2,2

Border area 40,2 24,9 33,6 0,9

The right bank of the Nistru river 58 17,7 20 3,2

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Moldovan/Romanian Russian Both languages Other language I don't know/no answer

Access to TV stations of women in the general sample is different, depending on the sub-sample they Access torepresent, TV stations given of thewomen area of in broadcasting the general of sample the respective is different, TV stations. depending on the sub-sample they represent, given the area of broadcasting of the respective TV stations. Table 14. TV channels accessible to women, the subsamples, %

Table 14. TVThe channels right bank accessible to women, the subsamples, % The left bank of of the Nistru The border area the Nistru river river The right bank of The left bank of The border area the Nistru River the Nistru River PRIME 68.6 53.1 21.6 MoldovaPRIME 1 64.6 68.6 53.1 53.1 24.4 21.6 JurnalMoldova TV 1 49.3 64.6 45.4 53.1 4.0 24.4 ProTVJurnal TV 44.7 49.3 38.5 45.4 3.9 4.0 RTR Moldova 39.4 32.7 5.7 ProTV 44.7 38.5 3.9 Publika TV 36.7 32.0 4.3 NTVRTR Moldova 23.2 39.4 32.8 32.7 7.5 5.7 CanalPublika 3 TV 30.4 36.7 34.0 32.0 5.8 4.3 Canal 2 NTV 32.8 23.2 35.3 32.8 13.4 7.5 N4 Canal 3 6.3 30.4 26.9 34.0 3.0 5.8 Transnistria TV/TV 3.2 19.6 90.2 PMR Canal 2 32.8 35.3 13.4 TCB N4 3.8 6.3 9.0 26.9 89.9 3.0 TransnistriaБТВ (Бендеры) TV/TV PMR 3.6 3.2 8.0 19.6 5.8 90.2 ТВК 51 7.8 6.8 2.3 TCB 3.8 9.0 89.9 Another TV station, 11.2 11.7 3.3 please,БТВ (Бендеры)indicate 3.6 8.0 5.8 ТВК 51 7.8 6.8 2.3 AnotherComparative TV station, analysis please, of indicate available TV stations11.2 used as primary sources11.7 of information to women3.3 in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru river show us that those women are using mostly such TV stations as Prime, Moldova 1, Jurnal TV, ProTV, while the women in rural areas on the left bank of the 38 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Nistru river, such TV stations as Transnistria TV/TV PMR, TCB, Moldova 1 and Prime. The women from

Comparative analysis of available TV stations used as primary sources of information to women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River show us that those women are using mostly such TV stations as Prime, Moldova 1, Jurnal TV, ProTV, while the women in rural areas on the left bank of the Nistru River, such TV stations as Transnistria TV/TV PMR, TCB, Moldova 1 and Prime. The women from the localities in the border area inform themselves mainly from the same sources as the women in the localities from the right bank of the Nistru River: Moldova 1, Prime, Jurnal TV, and PROTV.

Table 15. The trust of the rural women in TV stations on both banks of the Nistru River, %

Very high/high A little trust Not at all DK/NA confidence

PRIME (N=468) 38.9 42.6 11.6 6.9 Moldova 1 (N=462) 43.3 40.0 9.9 6.8 Jurnal TV (N=276) 42.9 37.8 12.8 6.5 ProTV (N=251) 35.5 46.0 11.7 6.7 RTR Moldova (N=234) 42.7 42.9 8.4 6.0 Publika TV (N=212) 29.2 51.9 9.6 9.3 NTV (N=159) 26.8 50.3 11.5 11.4 Canal 3 (N=187) 30.6 45.8 13.1 10.5 Canal 2 (N=238) 32.1 46.4 10.0 11.6 N4 (N=99) 24.3 45.4 11.9 18.4 Transnistria TV/TV PMR (N=497) 49.6 32.9 8.0 9.5 TCB (N=491) 48.5 32.9 8.8 9.9 БТВ (Бендеры) (N=50) 31.6 40.4 1.9 26.0 ТВК 51 (N=30) 27.8 40.5 0.0 31.8 Another TV station (N=57) 64.5 13.1 3.3 19.2

Comparative analysis17of data in the subsamples highlighted the fact that women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River and the border localities have less trust in Prime channel, while several women on the left bank of the Nistru River (57.5%) have “very high and high trust” in this TV station. TV station Moldova 1 is valued with “very high and high trust” by the women from the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River (60.8%) compared with 36.9% women in the localities from the right bank and 43.1% of women in the border area.

17 Comparative data for other TV stations cannot be considered conclusive given the small number of women in the sub-samples that they receive information from those TV sources.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 39 IV. WOMEN’S EMPLOYMENT IN RURAL AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE NISTRU RIVER

4.1. Professional activity and employment prospects

From the perspective of employment, we find that every second respondent to the survey is not engaged in any professional-economic activity, respectively, does not have a source of own income and every fourth woman is retired because of age or illness. In the opinion of the respondents, in the rural environments where they come from, the possibilities of employment are limited and poorly remuner- ated.

“I was hired as a technologist in the neighbouring village, but I was supposed to do the work of a cleaning lady, a janitor, a security guard and whatever else was needed...... and it wasn’t 8 hours a day. I was at work from 9 in the morning until 9 in the evening. So for that salary I was supposed to do the work of about 6 people. That’s why I made up my mind to go abroad”, FG_ MD_Zonă_lim- itrofă.

“The jobs the village hall is offering us are very poorly paid. Rather than work for 600-800 lei at the kindergarten as a cook, I better grow cattle and sell them on the market. I am not afraid that I would have issues in the family, but I don’t have a place to work in the village...” - FG_MD_Fe- mei_Roma

In many of the settlements on the left bank of the Nistru, the “kolkhozes” that require physical labour are still operating.

“As far as the employment of women is concerned, we have a kolkhoz in our village and anyone who wants, can get a job there. There is a farm nearby that needs staff. In general, there is a need for physical work in the village”, I_MS_APL_3.

According to the data of the National Bureau of Statistics, the employment rate of women in rural areas in the Republic of Moldova was 49.6% in 2017, with a decrease of 1.9%compared to 201518. Also, we note that the unemployment rate of women in rural areas is higher by 3% compared with the unemployment rate of women in urban areas. This fact is due to several social factors: lack of job opportunities in the community, low level of education/training, overwork in the household, including the childcare, etc.

Of the total 416 respondents employed, most of them are working as specialists with higher/secondary specialized education (16%). 11.6% of the respondents are employed in the non-agricultural area and 4.6% work in agriculture. Only 4% of respondents are entrepreneurs and operate their own business. Few of the respondents have occasional work (2.7%), work abroad (1.7%) or have management jobs (1.2%) (See Figure 17). The level of participation of women in leadership positions is relatively low. on the areas of activity of the respondents on both banks of the Nistru River we find that the women most frequently work in the sphere of services and trade (34.2%), education, culture and technology (25.9%), agriculture (13.8%) and medicine (8.9%) (See Figure 18).

18 The official data of the National Bureau of Statistics. Gender statistics. http://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/pxweb/ro/50%20Sta- tistica%20gender/50%20Statistica%20gender__GEN01/?rxid=9a62a0d7-86c4-45da-b7e4-fecc26003802

40 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study frequentlyfrequently work work in in the the sphere sphere of of services services and and trade trade (34.2%), (34.2%), education, education, culture culture and and technology technology (25.9%), (25.9%), agricultureagriculture (13.8%) (13.8%) and and medicine medicine (8.9%) (8.9%) (See (See Figure Figure 18). 18).

FigureFigure 17. 17. Occu Occupationalpational profession profession of of FigureFigure 18.18. TheThe mainmain areasareas ofof activityactivity ofof thethe Figure 17. Occupational profession of respon- Figure 18. The main areas of activity of the respon- respondents,respondents, field field of of activity activity % % respondentsrespondents ofof thethe rightright andand leftleft bankbank ofof thethe dents, field of activity % dents of the right and left bank of the Nistru River, NistruNistru river, river, % % N=416 N=416 % N=416

RetiredRetired on on age age or or disease disease 25,125,1 Services,Services, trade trade 34,234,2 SpecialistSpecialist with with higher higher or or… … 1616 Education,Education, culture, culture, science, science, HousewifeHousewife 14,814,8 technologytechnology 25,925,9

EngagedEngaged in in the the sphere sphere of of non non-…- … 11,611,6 AgricultureAgriculture 13,813,8 Pupil/studentPupil/student 7,27,2

EngagedEngaged in in agriculture agriculture 4,64,6 MedicineMedicine 8,98,9

UnemployedUnemployed 4,14,1 AnythingAnything else, else, including including construction, construction, 13,213,2 I haveI have their their own own business, business, … … 4 4 transportation,transportation, work work abroad abroad

The comparative analysis of the occupational status of women from the right and left bank of the TheNistruThe comparative comparative River proves analysis analysis the offollowing of the the occupational occupational differences: status status the of of sharewomen women of from fromwomen the the right ofright retirement and and left left bank bankage of andof the the the Nistru Nistru share of riverwomenriver proves proves employed the the following following as specialists differences: differences: with the thehigher share share education of of women women is of greaterof retirement retirement in rural age age communities and and the the share share of of ofthe women women left bank employedofemployed the Nistru as as specialists River, specialists while with with the higher share higher of education education housewives is is greater greater is higher in in rural in rural localities communities communities from theof of the right the left left bank bank bank of of the of the theNistru NistruRiverNistru river,(See river, Table while while 16).the the share share of of housewives housewives is is higher higher in in localities localities from from the the right right bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru river river (See(See Table Table Table16). 16). 16. The occupations of the respondents of the right and left bank of the Nistru, % TableTable 16. 16. The The occupations occupations of of the the respondents respondents of of the the right right and and left left bank bank of of the the Nistru, Nistru, % % The right bank of the The border The left bank of the Nistru River area Nistru River TheThe right right TheThe TheThe left left bank bank N=193bankbank of of the the N=75borderborder ofof the the Nistru N=220Nistru riveriver r Retired on age or disease 20.1 NistruNistru river river 22.9areaarea 30.6 N=220N=220 Specialist with higher or specialized N=193N=193 N=75N=75 10.3 2.1 21.4 secondary RetiredRetired on on age age or or disease disease 20.120.1 22.922.9 30.630.6 Housewife 23.1 20 6.5 SpecialistSpecialist with with higher higher or or specialized specialized secondary secondary 10.310.3 2.12.1 21.421.4 Employed non-agricultural in the 14.8 21.8 8.3 HousewifeHousewifesphere 23.123.1 2020 6.56.5 EmployedEmployedStudent/pupil non non-agricultural-agricultural in in the the sphere sphere 5.1 14.814.8 6.1 21.821.8 9.38.38.3 Student/pupilStudent/pupilEmployed in agriculture 3.2 5.15.1 4.3 6.16.1 5.99.39.3 EmployedEmployedUnemployed in in agriculture agriculture 3.9 3.23.2 2.4 4.34.3 4.25.95.9 Have my own business, entrepre- UnemployedUnemployed 4.0 3.93.9 2.3 2.42.4 4.04.24.2 neurs 4848

Every second woman (48.5%) employed performs work that does not correspond to the profession obtained in the studies (See Figura19). The share of women in this category is higher in case of women from the conflict area as compared to respondents from other regions.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 41 Have my own business, entrepreneurs 4.0 2.3 4.0 Have my own business, entrepreneurs 4.0 2.3 4.0

Every second woman (48.5%) employed performs work that does not correspond to the profession Every second woman (48.5%) employed performs work that does not correspond to the profession obtained in the studies (See Figura19). The share of women in this category is higher in case of women obtainedfrom the in conflict the studies area (Seeas compared Figura19). to Therespondents share of fromwomen other in thisregions. category is higher in case of women from the conflict area as compared to respondents from other regions. FigureFigure 19. 19.Conformity Conformity of the of profession the profession held by held FigureFigure 20.20. The The share share of women of workingwomen proworking- Figure 19. Conformity of the profession held Figure 20. The share of women working theby respondents the respondents with the educationwith the received, education fessionallyprofessionally on the on basisthe basis of the of studies the studies obtained, obtained, by the respondents with the education professionally on the basis of the studies obtained, received, %N=416%N=416 accordingaccording to to the areaarea of residence,of residence, % % received, %N=416 according to the area of residence, %

The left bank of the 5,7 47,0 46,1 6,9 TheNistru left riverbank (N=220)of the 5,7 47,0 46,1 6,9 Nistru river (N=220) Border area (N=75) 29,6 64,9 5,5 45,8 Border area (N=75) 29,6 64,9 5,5 45,8 The right bank of the 48,5 44,4 51,2 4,3 TheNistru right river bank (N=193) of the 48,5 44,4 51,2 4,3 Nistru river (N=193) 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%100% Yes Not NS/NR Yes Not I don't know Yes Not NS/NR Yes Not I don't know

Motivational factors in the choice of their professions are: necessary skills required (26.5%), the in- fluenceMotivational of family of factors origin/parents in the choice (13.6%), of lack their of professionsprofessional are: skills necessary in case ofskills informal required work (26.5%), or from the workMotivational ininfluence the agricultural of factorsfamily area of in origin/parents (12.4 the choicepercent), of (13.6%), gender their professionslack stereotypes of professi are: towardsonal necessary skills certain in caseskills works of required informal (11.9%), (26.5%), worketc. (see or from the Figureinfluencework 21) in ofthe family agricultural of origin/parents area (12.4 percent),(13.6%), lackgender of professistereotypesonal towardsskills in casecertain of worksinformal (11.9%), work oretc. from (see workFigure in the 21) agricultural area (12.4 percent), gender stereotypes towards certain works (11.9%), etc. (see Figure 21) FigureFigure 21. Respondents’21. Respondents' motivation motivation for choosing for choosing Figure Figure22. Employment 22. Employment opportunities opportunities for women for Figurethethe profession profession21. Respondents' they they obtained,% obtained, motivation% N=416N=416 for choosingin rural Figure womenareas on22 inboth. ruralEmployment banks areas of the on Nistru, opportunitiesboth %banks N=416 of forthe the profession they obtained,% N=416 womenNistru, %in N=416rural areas on both banks of the Nistru, % N=416 Have the necessaryHave the capacity necessary capacity 26,5 26,5 Working withWorking day with 53,3day 53,3 I have suggested parents I have suggested parents 13,6 13,6 In the In the 33,9 33,9 I don't have a skill associations/agricultural…associations/agricultural… I don't have a skill 12,4 12,4 The shop in the village It is a profession female The shop in the village 33,1 33,1 It is a profession female 11,9 11,9 In the frameworkIn the framework of of There are perspectiveThere are of perspective of… 11,6 28 … 11,6 educationaleducational institutions… institutions…28 Not required financial investment There are no opportunities Not required financial investment 8,3 8,3 There are no opportunities 21,1 of employmentof employment21,1 Another reason Another reason 2,6 2,6 In the frameworkIn the framework of health of health 18,8 18,8 DK/NA institutionsinstitutions DK/NA 13,2 13,2

49 49 The Theselection selectionThe selection of the of skills the of skills-based-thebased skills profession-based profession profession is found is foundmoreis found inmore themore casein inthe theof case women case of of women on women the righton on the thebank right right of thebank bank of the

Nistruof the riverNistru Nistru (35.9%, river River compared (35.9%, (35.9%, compared tocompared 18.6% to for to 18.6% women18.6% for for on women women the left on on bank)the the left andleft bank) bank) the and parents' and the the parents' influence parents’ influence inin - in choosingfluencechoosing the in profession choosing the profession is the higher profession isfor higher women is for higher on women the for left on women bank the leftof on the bank the Nistru ofleft the riverbank Nistru (21% of riverthe compared Nistru (21% comparedRiver with (21%5% with 5% in womencomparedin from women with the from right5% in thebank). women right The bank). from share Thethe of womenshareright bank).of who women doThe not who share hold do of nota womenvocational hold a whovocational qualification do not qualification hold is higher a voca is- higher for womentionalfor qualification fromwomen the from right is higherthe bank right and for bank womenthe securityand from the zone.security the right The zone. bankselection The and selection ofthe the security profession of the zone. profession on The the selection basis on the of of basis of genderthe stereotypesprofessiongender stereotypes onis found the basis moreis found of in gender womenmore in stereotypes of women the left of bank the is found leftof the bank more Nistru of thein river women Nistru (See river ofTable the (See 17).left Table bank 17). of the Nistru River (See Table 17). Table 17.Table The main 17. The reasons main inreasons choosing in choosing the profession, the profession, according according to the area to tofhe residence, area of residence, % N=416 % N=416

The The left The rightThe rightThe The left 42 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of borderthe Nistru River / bankSociological of the study bank of thebank of borderthe bank of the area Nistru rive Nistru riverNistru riverarea Nistru rive N=75 N=75N=220 N=220 N=193 N=193 Having the necessary skills Having the necessary skills 35.9 35.914.1 14.1 18.6 18.6

My parents suggested My parents suggested 5.0 5.0 9.4 9.4 21.0 21.0

I don't have any skills I don't have any skills 19.5 19.528.2 28.2 6.4 6.4

It is a feminine profession It is a feminine profession 9.5 9.5 9.6 9.6 13.7 13.7

There are prospects of employment There are prospects of employment 12.7 12.716.1 16.1 10.7 10.7

Not financial investment required Not financial investment required 6.0 6.0 7.9 7.9 10.4 10.4

Another reason Another reason 3.8 3.8 7.7 7.7 1.6 1.6

Every secondEvery economically second economically active woman active states woman that states in the that community in the community there are there opportunities are opportunities for day for day work in thework agricultural in the agricultural field, this field, kind thisof economic kind of economic activity being activity the being most the demanded most demanded (See Table (See 6 in Table the 6 in the

50 50

Table 17. The main reasons in choosing the profession, according to the area of residence, % N=416

The right bank of The left bank of the The border area the Nistru River Nistru rive N=75 N=193 N=220 Having the necessary skills 35.9 14.1 18.6

My parents suggested 5.0 9.4 21.0 I don’t have any skills 19.5 28.2 6.4

It is a feminine profession 9.5 9.6 13.7

There are prospects of employment 12.7 16.1 10.7 Not financial investment required 6.0 7.9 10.4

Another reason 3.8 7.7 1.6

Every second economically active woman states that in the community there are opportunities for day work in the agricultural field, this kind of economic activity being the most demanded (See Table 6 in the Annex). In a smaller proportion, rural women can be employed in nearby agricultural businesses (33.9%), the trade/market sector in the community (33.1%) and public education institutions (28%). At the same time, every fifth woman stated that in the community there are no prospects of employment (See Figure 22). Correlation analysis by region (right bank, left bank and border area) does not reveal any significant differences in employment opportunities.

4.2. The income of women

The income of women in rural area is relatively small and does not meet the minimum consumption basket. Every second woman in rural area states that the monthly salary covers only the bare necessities and 16.2% of the respondents stated that the salary does not ensure the bare necessities. The existence minimum of women of working age in villages located on the right bank of the Nistru River constitutes 1701.4 MDL19 for 2017.

Of the total number of respondents, only 7% say that earnings are sufficient for the purchase of expensive goods and that they can afford to purchase all the necessary things without any limit (See Figure 23). The comparative analysis of women from the right and left bank of Nistru River does not show any differences concerning the way in which the salary income satisfies the women’s living needs (See Table 7 in the Annex).

Monthly expenses of respondents for food and housing maintenance reach roughly the average salary per economy, which amounts to 6,507 MDL in 2018, which is about 325 euros, and in the Transnistrian region – 4,270 rubles (about 213 euros). The women on the right bank spend on average 5640 MDL (about 282 euros) per month, compared to the women on the left bank which have a monthly spending budget of 5,242 Transnistrian rubles (about 262 euros). Most expenses refer to purchase of food, house maintenance and purchase of consumables (clothing, household items). Less is invested in the transportation, education and health insurance (See Table 18).

19 The official data provided by the National Bureau of Statistics; www.statistica.md

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 43 Annex). In a smaller proportion, rural women can be employed in nearby agricultural businesses (33.9%), the trade/market sector in the community (33.1%) and public education institutions (28%). At the same time, every fifth woman stated that in the community there are no prospects of employment (See Figure 22). Correlation analysis by region (right bank, left bank and border area) does not reveal any significant differences in employment opportunities. 4.2. The income of women The income of women in rural area is relatively small and does not meet the minimum consumption basket. Every second woman in rural area states that the monthly salary covers only the bare necessities and 16.2% of the respondents stated that the salary does not ensure the bare necessities. The existence minimum of women of working age in villages located on the right bank of the Nistru river constitutes 1701.4 MDL19 for 2017.

Of the total number of respondents, only 7% say that earnings are sufficient for the purchase of expensive goods and that they can afford to purchase all the necessary things without any limit (See Figure 23). The comparative analysis of women from the right and left bank of Nistru river does not show any differences concerning the way in which the salary income satisfies the women’s living needs (See Table 7 in the Annex). Figure 23. Ensuring the needs of women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River from the salary Figure 23. Ensuring the needs of women in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru river from the income, % N=416 salary income, % N=416

I don't even enough for the bare necessities 16,2

I get only for the bare necessities 41,6

I have enough for a decent living, but I can't afford some expensive goods 30,2 I manage to buy some more expensive goods , but with some restrictions 5,7 I managed to get everything I need, without having to limit myself to something 2

I find it hard to answer 4,3

Monthly expenses of respondents for food and housing maintenance reach roughly the average salary Tableper 18. economy, The average which amount amount ofs expenditureto 6,507 MDL of in a household2018, which per is month,about 325 on botheuros, banks and inof the NistruTransnistrian River20 region – 4,270 rubles (about 213 euros). The women on the right bank spend on average 5640 MDL (about 282 euros) per month,The rightcompared bank to of the women on the left bank whichThe left have bank a month of thely Nistruspending The border area budget of 5,242 Transnistrianthe ruble Nistrus (about River 262 euros). Most expenses refer to purchaseRiver of food, house (MDL) maintenance and purchase of(MDL) consumables (clothing, household items).(Transnistrian Less is invested rouble) in20 the transportation, education and health insurance (See Table 18). Food products (N=493) 1208.44 1419.47 1620.33

Health19The services official data (N=432) provided by the National580.23 Bureau of Statistics;691.65 www.statistica.md 510.35

Education (N=235) 682.62 810.27 631.14 51 Expenses for household 1006.43 924.58 712.08 maintenance (N=462) Transport (N=329) 431.58 486.69 507.34 Purchases (Clothes and 1039.43 1002.25 748.67 items) (N=346) Other needs (N=133) 691.31 1062.37 512.09 Total expenditure per 5640.04 6397.28 5242 month (on average)

Rural women have an active role in relation to the distribution of the money in the family. In 40 percent of families surveyed, decisions with reference to the distribution of the budget of the household are taken exclusively by women. Half of the respondents interviewed mentioned that the decision on the distribution of the family budget is taken by both members of the family. Only in 7 percent of cases the decision is taken by the spouse/partner. The comparative analysis of the regions reveals the same trends for the population on the right, left bank of the Nistru River and the population from the security zone (See Figure 25).

20 On 29.11.2018, the value of 1 MDL = 0,91 Transnistrian rubles, http://www.cbpmr.net/?lang=en

44 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Figure 24. Members of the household who decide Figure 25. Members of the household who decide the allocation of money in the family, % the allocation of money in the family, by region, %

4,54,5 7,37,3 TheThe left left bank bank of of the the 7,97,9 38,9 38,9 47,647,6 NistruNistru river river

BorderBorder area area5 5 45,145,1 46,146,1 38,138,1

TheThe right right bank bank of of the the 50,1 6,96,9 37 37 52,852,8 50,1 NistruNistru river river

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80%100% Husband/Partner You Both DN/NA Husband/Partner You Both DN/NA Husband/partner You Both Husband/partner You Both

The main sources of income of rural women from both banks of the Nistru River are derived from agri- culturalThe activities, main sources including of income income of obtained rural women from from the processing both banks of of the the gardens Nistru river around are the derived houses. from ApproximatelyTheagricultural main sources every activities, second of incomeincluding woman of income ruralin rural obtained women area earns fromfrom incomethe both processing banks from the of of the growingthe Nistrugardens of river foodaround areproducts the derived houses. on from theagricultural territoryApproximately of activities, the everygardens includingsecond near woman the income house. in obtainedrural One-third area from earns of the womeninc processingome fromearn thepublic-private of thegrowing gardens of foodsalary around products earnings the houses. on andApproximately everythe territory tenth womanof every the gardens secondearns incomenear woman the from house. in rural their One area own-third earns business. of women income The earn from percentage public the -privategrowing of women salary of food earnings who products work and on unofficiallytheevery territory tenth is alarmingof woman the gardens (27.2%), earns near income which the fromhouse.can influence their One own-third the business. of economicwomen The earn level percentage public of -womenprivate of at women salarythe age whoearnings of workretire- and menteveryunofficially (See tenth Table womanis19). alarmi ng earns (27.2%), income which from can their influence own business. the economic The percentage level of women of women at the who age of work unofficiallyretirement is(See alarmi Tableng 19). (27.2%), which can influence the economic level of women at the age of Table 19. The sources of income of women’s house hold on both banks of the Nistru River, % retirement (See Table 19). Table 19. The sources of income of women’s house hold on both banks of the Nistru river, % The right bank of The border The left bank of Table 19. The sources of income of women’sYes house hold on both banks of the Nistru river, % the NistruThe River right bank area the NistruThe River left The border Yes of the Nistru bank of the Garden works next to the house 44.3 53.5 The right bank42.4 area 34.9 The left river The border Nistru river Salary in the public sector 33.9 Yes 36.9 of the Nistru38.6 30.5 bank of the Garden works next to the house 53.5 area42.4 34.9 Salary in the private sector 26.9 44.314.6 river 15.9 38.9 Nistru river EmploymentGarden works on their next own to the / Entre house- 53.5 42.4 34.9 Salary in the public sector 13.2 33.944.311.3 36.9 12.4 38.6 15.1 30.5 preneurs Salary in the public sector 36.9 38.6 30.5 SocialSalary aid in the private sector 15.0 26.933.915.6 14.6 11.0 15.9 14.4 38.9 Remittances and transfers from SalaryEmployment in the private on their sector own / Entrepreneurs26.1 25.5 11.314.6 23.5 12.415.9 26.9 15.138.9 abroad 13.226.9 GiftsSocial and help aid from relatives 29.7 20.5 15.6 17.5 11.0 39.1 14.4 Employment on their own / Entrepreneurs 15.013.2 11.3 12.4 15.1 Pension 29.3 31.4 36.1 25.7 Remittances and transfers from abroad 25.5 23.5 26.9 UnofficialSocial aid work 27.2 26.115.015.5 15.612.8 11.040.5 14.4 OthersGifts and help from relatives 2.1 3.0 20.5 2.2 17.5 1.1 39.1 Remittances and transfers from abroad 29.726.1 25.5 23.5 26.9 The sharePension of women who have a lower income than the husband/partner31.4 is considerable,36.1 and consti25.7- Gifts and help from relatives 29.329.7 20.5 17.5 39.1 tutes 35.1%. The survey data does not identify any differences for the population of different regions of Unofficial work 27.2 15.5 12.8 40.5 thePension country (the right bank of the Nistru River, the left29.3 bank of the Nistru31.4 River, the border36.1 area). Wage 25.7 differencesOthers are also confirmed at the level of the official statistics that3.0 showed an 2.2increase of the1.1 pay Unofficial work 2.1 15.5 12.8 40.5 gap by 1.9%during the period 2013 - 2017, which implies27.2 that the wages of men, in the year 2017, is 13.5% higher compared with the wages of women (see Figure 27). Others 2.1 3.0 2.2 53 1.1

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 45 53

TheThe share share of women of women who who have have a lower a lower income income than than the the husband/partner husband/partner is considerable, is considerable, and and constitutesconstitutes 35.1%. 35.1%. The The survey survey data data does does not not identify identify any any differences differences for forthe the population population of different of different regionsregions of the of thecountry country (the (the right right bank bank of the of theNistru Nistru river, river, the theleft lebankft bank of the of theNistru Nistru river, river, the theborder border area).area). Wage Wage differences differences are arealso also confirmed confirmed at the at thelevel level of the of theofficial official statistics statistics that that showed showed an increasean increase of theof thepay paygap gapby 1.9%duringby 1.9%during the theperiod period 2013 2013 - 2017, - 2017, which which implies implies that that the thewages wages of men, of men, in the in theyear year 2017,2017, is 13.5% is 13.5% higher higher compared compared with with the thewages wages of women of women (see (see Figure Figure 27). 27).

AccordingAccording to the to the NBS NBS data, data, the the level level of remuneration of remuneration of women of women is lower is lower than than that that of men of men in most in most Accordingeconomiceconomic to activities, the activities, NBS thedata, the discrepancy the discrepancy level of being remuneration being from from 0.4% of 0.4% inwomen education, in education, is lower up than upto 41.4% tothat 41.4% of in men financial in in financial most an eco d an-d nomic activities, the discrepancy being from 0.4% in education, up to 41.4% in financial and insurance insuranceinsurance activities. activities. Gender Gender pay pay disparities disparities were were also also recorded recorded in such in such activities activities as information as information and and activities. Gender pay disparities were also recorded in such activities as information and communi- communicationcommunication (32.8%), (32.8%), art, art, recreation recreation and and leisure leisure activities activities (18.1%), (18.1%), industry industry (17.8%), (17.8%), professional, professional, cation (32.8%), art, recreation and leisure activities (18.1%), industry (17.8%), professional, scientific scientificscientific and and technical technical activities activities (16.1%), (16.1%), heal health andth and social social care care (15.7%), (15.7%), wholesale wholesale and and retail retail trade, trade, as as and technical activities (16.1%), health and social care (15.7%), wholesale and retail trade, as well as wellwell as construction as construction (13.3%). (13.3%).21 21 construction (13.3%).21 22 FigureFigure 26. 26.The The income income of menof men compared compared with with Figura27. Figura27. The The gender gender pay pay gap gap in overall in overall economic economic thatthat of women of women in rural in rural areas, areas, % % activitiesactivities22 22 Figure 26. The income of men compared with that Figura27. The gender pay gap in overall economic 22 of women in rural areas, % activities

LowerLower than than that thatof the of the 14,514,5 35,135,1 13,213,2 13,513,5 husband/partnerhusband/partner 12,412,4 11,611,6 LargerLarger than than the husband's the husband's / partner's/ partner's 11,811,8

The sameThe same as the as one the ofone the of the husband'shusband's / partner's / partner's 15,715,7

I don'tI don't have have a a husband/partnerhusband/partner 25,425,4

I don'tI don't know know / No /answer No answer 12 12 2013201320142014201520152016201620172017

4.3. Perceptions and risks concerning the employment The main risks associated with the employment of women in the labour market, in the view of respondents, are related to factors involving their family, including the prevalence of attitudes and stereotypes that assign women a series of roles in the family: raising children, taking care of the house, preparing food, maintaining the family atmosphere etc. Approx. half of the respondents engaged in the 21 21 sphere Statistical Statistical of labour portrait portrait (45%) of women of say women they and andmen experience men in the in Republicthe difficulties Republic of Moldova of Moldova when in the incombining yearthe year 2016. 2016. their professional activity with http://www.statistica.md/newsview.php?l=ro&idc=168&http://www.statistica.md/newsview.php?l=ro&idc=168&id=5935id=5935 the22 family22 tasks. The Theofficial official data data of the of Nationalthe National Bureau Bureau of Statistics. of Statistics. Gender Gender statistics. statistics. Athttp://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/pxweb/ro/50%20Statistica%20gender/50%20Statistica%20gender__GEN01/? thehttp://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/pxweb/ro/50%20Statistica%20gender/50%20Statistica%20gender__GEN01/? same time each of the two respondents, considers that the employment of women affects rxid=9a62a0d7rxid=9a62a0d7-86c4-86c4-45da-45da-b7e4-b7e4-fecc26003802-fecc26003802 the main functions of the family (socialization and education of children). Therefore, for 58.3% of women, paid work has a negative impact on children, especially those of preschool age. More 54than 54 half of the respondents (66%) do not perceive positively the change of gender roles and increased involvement of men in the process of children’s growth and care of the household. They consider that “it is not good if the man stays at home and takes care of the children and the woman is working” (See Figure 28). The analysis of attitudes of rural women towards family and family roles highlights the gender stereotypes that persist in rural environments and which prevents the social and professional integration of women.

21 Statistical portrait of women and men in the Republic of Moldova in the year 2016. http://www.statistica.md/newsview.php?l=ro&idc=168&id=5935 22 The official data of the National Bureau of Statistics. Gender statistics. http://statbank.statistica.md/pxweb/pxweb/ro/50%20 Statistica%20gender/50%20Statistica%20gender__GEN01/?rxid=9a62a0d7-86c4-45da-b7e4-fecc26003802

46 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 4.3. Perceptions and risks concerning the employment The main risks associated with the employment of women in the labour market, in the view of respondents, are related to factors involving their family, including the prevalence of attitudes and stereotypes that assign women a series of roles in the family: raising children, taking care of the house, preparing food, maintaining the family atmosphere etc. Approx. half of the respondents engaged in the sphere of labour (45%) say they experience difficulties when combining their professional activity with the family tasks.

At the same time each of the two respondents, considers that the employment of women affects the main functions of the family (socialization and education of children). Therefore, for 58.3% of women, paid work has a negative impact on children, especially those of preschool age. More than half of the respondents (66%) do not perceive positively the change of gender roles and increased involvement of men in the process of children's growth and care of the household. They consider that “it is not good if the man stays at home and takes care of the children and the woman is working” (See Figure 28). The analysis of attitudes of rural women towards family and family roles highlights the gender stereotypes that persist in rural environments and which prevents the social and professional integration of women.

Figure 28. AgreementFigure 28. or Agreement disagreement or disagreementwith the following with statements,the following % statements, %

A child of preschool age has to suffer if the mother works 58,3 33,8 7,9 Family life suffers if the woman works full time (N=736) 51 40,6 8,4 It is not good if the man stays at home and takes care of the children, and the woman to work 66,6 24,4 8,9

Domestic work is the easiest work 25,3 67,6 7,2

Very great extent/Great extent Little extent/Not at all Don't know

The analysis of women’s perceptions according to the region shows that gender stereotypes persist to a The largeranalysis extent of women’s in the population perceptions of the according left bank toof the Nistruregion river, shows compared that gender with the stereotypes population persistfrom to a largerthe right extent bank (Seein the Figure population 29, Table of 8 thein the left Annex). bank of the Nistru River, compared with the population from the right bank (See Figure 29, Table 8 in the Annex). Figure 29. The agreement or disagreement of the respondents with the following statement: A child of preschool age has to suffer if the mother works full day, % Figure 29. The agreement or disagreement of the respondents with the following statement: A child of preschool age has to suffer if the mother works full day, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 29,2 32,8 20,4 13,5 4

Border area 12,2 32,3 25,4 14,9 15,2

55 The right bank of the Nistru river 23,3 31,5 23,9 9,6 11,7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

To a very large extent To a great extent In a small extent Not at all I don't know

Even if gender stereotypes on the fundamental roles of women are pretty much rooted in rural areas, however,Even the if genderstudy showsstereotypes positive on trendsthe fundamental for the promotion roles of women of equality are pretty within much own rooted family inand rural in theareas, community,however, through the study the participationshows positive of trends women for in the decision-making promotion of equality positions within or in own public. family The and major in -the ity of womencommunity, participating through the in participationthe study (77.4%), of women asserts in decisio that engagingn-making positions in the economic or in public. sphere The majoritygives womenof economicwomen participating independence in the and study 42.7% (77.4%), of women asserts thatbelieve engaging that men in the would economic gain sphere from promoting gives women gendereconomic equality independenceof women. The and economic 42.7% offunction women of believe the family that is men not perceived would gain as from a sole promoting responsibility gender of the equalityman. 72.7% of women of women. The economicconsidering function that both of the members family is ofnot the perceived family, theas a womansole responsibility and the man, of the shouldman. contribute 72.7% of to women the family considering income. that both members of the family, the woman and the man, should contribute to the family income. The study also highlights changes in the perceptions of women to the task of child care, which is largely carriedThe out study by women. also highlights Thus, increasingchanges in the perceptionsshare of women of women who toconsider the task that of child the rightcare, whichof paternity is largely leavescarried for child out care, by offeredwomen. toThus, men increasing through legislation,the share of is womena positive who practice consider and that a goodthe rightway toof involvepaternity men inleaves the education for child care, of children offered (Seeto men Figure through 30). legislation, is a positive practice and a good way to involve men in the education of children (See Figure 30).

Figure 30. Agreement or disagreement with the following statements, %

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 47

Figure 30. Agreement or disagreement with the following statements, %

A well-paid job is the best way for a woman to become/ feel like an independent person 77,4 16,1 6,5 A well-paidA well-paid job is job the is best the waybest for way a womanfor a woman to to become/become/ feel like feel an like independent an independent person person 77,477,4 16,116,1 6,5 6,5 The right to leave for child care, offered and men through legislation, it is a good way to involve men 62,2 28,3 9,5 The rightThe rightto leavein tothe leave for education child for childcare, of childrencare,offered offered and men and men throughthrough legislation, legislation, it is a itgood is a goodway to way involve to involve men men 62,262,2 28,328,3 9,5 9,5 in thein education the education of children of children The men have also won the following of calling the rights of women with men 42,7 42,9 14,5 The menThe havemen havealso won also thewon following the following of calling of calling the the rightsrights of women of women with menwith men 42,742,7 42,942,9 14,514,5 Both men and women should contribute to family income 72,7 18,4 8,9 Both Bothmen andmen women and women should should contribute contribute to family to family incomeincome 72,772,7 18,418,4 8,9 8,9 Very great extent/Great extent Little extent/Not at all Don't know

Very greatVery great extent/Great extent/Great extent extent Little Littleextent/Not extent/Not at all at all Don'tDon't know know One-third of respondents say they have been confronted professionally with gender-sensitive situations. One-third of respondents say they have been confronted professionally with gender-sensitive situ- Thus, 29.8% of the respondents were treated unequally because they are women and 22.2% of ations.One-One thirdThus,-third of 29.8% respondents of respondents of the sayrespondents theysay they have have beenwere been confrontedtreated confronted unequally professionally professionally because with theywith gender genderare-sensitive women-sensitive situations.and situations. 22.2% employed women say they have suffered professionally for the same reasons. The situations of socio- of Thus,employedThus, 29.8% 29.8% women of theof say the respondents they respondents have weresuffered were treated treatedprofessionally unequally unequally for because the because same they theyreasons. are arewomen The women situations and and 22.2% 22.2% of ofso - of professional discrimination are felt more by the women from the right bank, compared with women cio-professionalemployedemployed women womendiscrimination say theysay they have are have suffered felt suffered more professionally by professionally the women for from thefor samethe the same right reasons. reasons. bank, The compared Thesituations situations with of socio womof socio- - - from the left bank of the Nistru river (See Table 9 in the Annexes). The level of reporting cases of enprofessional fromprofessional the left discrimination bank discrimination of the areNistru feltare River more felt more (See by theTable by women the 9 womenin the from Annexes). from the rightthe rightThe bank, level bank, com of compared reportingpared with with womencases women of discrimination is determined by the level of knowledge of women about the rights they should benefit discriminationfromfrom the theleft is leftbank determined bank of the of theNistru by the Nistru river level river (See of knowledge (See Table Table 9 in of 9 the inwomen theAnnexes). Annexes). about The the The level rights level of they reporting of reportingshould cases benefit cases of of from. The lesser referral of gender discrimination on the left bank of the Nistru river not necessarily from.discrimination Thediscrimination lesser isreferral determined is determined of gender by the by discrimination levelthe level of knowledge of knowledge on the of leftwomen of bankwomen about of aboutthe the Nistru rightsthe rights River they they notshould necessarilyshould benefit benefit implies the lack thereof. Women do not realize that they have been discriminated against or denied a impliesfrom.from. theThe lackThe lesser thereof. lesser referral referral Women of gender of do gender not discrimination realize discrimination that on they theon have leftthe bankleftbeen bank ofdiscriminated the of Nistruthe Nistru river against river not notnecessarilyor denied necessarily a right by accepting the reality as such. rightimplies byimplies accepting the lackthe lackthereof. the thereof. reality Women as Women such. do not do realizenot realize that thatthey they have have been been discriminated discriminated against against or denied or denied a a rightFigureright by accepting31. by acceptingThe share the realitythe of realitywomen as such. as whosuch. have been Figure 32. The share of women who have suffered denied a right or have been treated unequally professionally because they were women FigureFigureFigure 31. 31. The31.The Theshare share ofof women women of women who who havewho have beenhave been been FigureFigure Figure 32.32. TheThe32. Theshareshare share of women of women who who have have suffered suffered because they are women, % (employment or career growth), % denidenieddenied a eda right a right oror have haveor havebeen been treatedbeen treated treated unequally unequally unequally professionallyprofessionally professionally because because because they theywere they womenwere were (employwomen women- becausebecause theybecause they are women,are they women, are % women, % % (employment(employmentment or career or or career career growth), growth), growth), % % % 3,2 3,1

3,2 3,2 3,1 3,1 19,1 26,6 19,1 19,1 26,6 26,6 68,8 61,9 68,8 68,8 61,9 61,9

Yes often Yes, sometimes Not Yes often Yes, sometimes Not

Yes oftenYes often Yes, sometimesYes, sometimes Not Not Yes oftenYes often Yes, sometimesYes, sometimes Not Not

57 57

48 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 4.4. Barriers to women’s empowerment

The quantitative and qualitative data of the research carried out shows that one of the biggest barriers for women in realizing their professional potential is socio-cultural expectations regarding women’s role in family life, household responsibilities and care for the children and the elderly in the family.

The participants in the group discussions have evoked situations and concrete aspects of their own lives or lives of other women around them (mothers, relatives, sisters, etc.), that they have encountered and which often had the role of obstacle in the way of self-affirmation, both at the professional level, as well as civic one.

“I want to tell you that it wasn’t easy at all. And not because I am a Roma woman who has become a counsellor, but because I did not know too much at first. Even the counsellors did not seem to be supportive, but because I am a person who wants to do more and I insist to succeed, I was eventually accepted and listened to. “I_MD_femeie lider_5

Also experts involved in the research, who in their turn personally know active women involved at the community or national level, have drawn attention to many factors that influence women’s decisions or their determination to advance.

“Even women themselves do not support each other, there are more traditional, more patriarchal villages, where no woman has ever been in any position. In such villages it is very difficult to get a more affirmative idea. And neither their husbands have this interest, the fewer things the wives will know, the more obedient and more laborious they will be - to be docile, to work as maids, not to go to gatherings and meetings – specifically, so most men think, unfortunately. Virtually 80% of women mayors complained about the lack of support from their husbands, their husbands complaining they did not do all the work at home, before entering the office, that they did not leave them something to eat ... “. “They have no money. They cannot run their campaign. They are not active members in parties, respectively, the party does not support them, just puts them to work in favour of a male candidate and they of course accept ...” “Some want to be more involved, publicly or politically, but they do not know anything about participation in general, and the political one in particular. In such a case it’s easier, provided there is motivation and proper training, good results can be achieved. Often their family does not support them, or the community gossip on them. Many complained about this in our trainings.” I_MD_expert_3

The interviewed experts also spoke about the importance of models and trainings, as important aspects in supporting women to overcome the inhibitions imposed by society.

“In 10 years of political activity I had a lot of challenges. The challenge of being a woman in politics, the challenge of not understanding the ideas and projects that I promoted, not to be supported. Later, I realized that I could have done many more things, if when I got into politics I would have had the chance to be trained by women and men who have political experience. They could have taught me how to negotiate, how to build my arguments better, why stronger coalitions are needed to promote a certain reform or change in society. And then I thought, if I have an opportunity to launch a training activity for training of women who wish to participate in the decision-making processes, then I’ll do it.” I_MD_expert_6

Although the need for women’s training programs appears to be more prominent during electoral times, women participating in group discussions have highlighted the role of these types of activities at any time, justifying their visions by allowing them to be more active at community level, but that also would bring some communication and networking chance.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 49 have an opportunity to launch a training activity for training of women who wish to participate in the decision-making processes, then I'll do it.” I_MD_expert_6

Although the need for women's training programs appears to be more prominent during electoral times, women participating in group discussions have highlighted the role of these types of activities at any time, justifying their visions by allowing them to be more active at community level, but that also would bring some communication and networking chance.

“I'm up to date with legislative changes and I think they are all welcome, but one can see that the world does not know them, but it is more important for them, than just for the j few of us that to know that we have them somewhere out there in some law...” “To develop women who “I’m up to date with legislative changes and I think they are all welcome, but one can see that the world doeswant not to know be involved, them, but because it is more there important are very for many them, good than women just for thewho j fewmaybe of us would that tolike know to, but that we havethey themare limited, somewhere they do out not there have in somesufficient law...” self “To-confidence, develop women but if they who co wantuld benefitto be involved, from some because theretraining, are Ivery think many they good would women manage who much maybe better would to belike involved to, but they, in theare village,limited, tothey come do not to the have sufficientmeetings, self-confidence, to speak, to see but eachif they other could more benefit often, from otherwise some training, only with I think our homethey wouldchores man- we age muchforget better even to beour involved, names”. inFG_MD_Femei_Roma the village, to come to the meetings, to speak, to see each other more often, otherwise only with our home chores we forget even our names”. FG_MD_Femei_Roma Of the women who participated in the quantitative research and who are currently employed (416 Of the respondents)women who 45% participated reported thatin the it wasquantitative "very difficult research and difficult and who enough" are currently to combine employed work and (416 family respondents)life, while 45% 40.2 reported % said thatthat itit waswas “veryeasy enoughdifficult to doand so difficult and only 8enough”.1% chose to the combine "very easy"work andresponse. family life, whileThe 40.2 comparative % said that analysis it was of easythe responses enough to of do the so women and only in the 8.1% three chose subsamples the “very revealed easy” response. the fact that The comparativefor more women analysis in theof the localities responses on the of right the womenbank of thein the Nistru three river subsamples (48.7%) it is/revealedwas” very the hard fact and that fortough more enough women” toin thecombine localities career on with the rightfamily bank life, ofwhile the for Nistru more River women (48.7%) in the it is/was” localities very on hard the left and toughbank enough of the ”Nistru to combine river (46.2%) career itwith is/it family was ”fairly life, while easy” for to moredo this, women compared in the to localities 33.3% of onwomen the left in the bank oflocalities the Nistru from River the (46.2%)right bank it is/it(See was Figure ”fairly 33). easy” to do this, compared to 33.3% of women in the localities from the right bank (See Figure 33). Figure 33. Evaluation of the difficulty of combining professional work and family life, on the Figuresubsamples, 33. Evaluation % of the difficulty of combining professional work and family life, on the subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river (n=220) 4 37,5 46,2 6,1 6,2

Border area (n=75) 13,7 26 44,5 14,9 1

The right bank of the Nistru river (N=193) 16,5 32,2 33,3 10,6 7,4

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Very hard Hard enough Pretty easy Very easy DK/NA

Due to issues associated with the topic of combining professional life with family life, there is a risk that Due tothe issues family associated in general, with and the women, topic of in combining particular, tprofessionalo have lower life income. with family The theme life, there of the is a common risk that the family in general, and women, in particular, to have lower income. The theme of the common budget in the family was addressed in the group discussions and this has highlighted the fact that few budget in the family was addressed in the group discussions and this has highlighted the fact that few families have this pattern of financial management of partners’ income. Moreover, some women families have this pattern of financial management of partners’ income. Moreover, some women participating in the group discussions reported that they often are forced to “hide/keep” certain sums of 59 money to purchase certain things for themselves or children, because of the misunderstandings that arise from this issue.

“Yesterday I was at the market. The prices there are cheaper, food is cheaper, I could by some cheese, as well as some vegetables...we buy food in Transnistria, many local inhabitants of ours receive pension from Transnistria then with those roubles they go and buy there some stuff. In Chisinau it would cost 100 MDL, but here I can buy the same stuff for 40 rubles. It is cheaper. Clothes, too. Put some money aside and buy something for the kids... as for me ... sometimes yes I can afford it, but it is very rare, only on the 8th of March.” FG_MD_Zonă_Limitrofă

The quantitative research revealed that 35.1% of women from the general sample consider that their income being lower than that of the husbands/partners and only 15.7% have said that they have the same income with the husbands/ partners. However, a number of women (11.8%) have a higher income than the husbands/ partners.

50 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study participating in the group discussions reported that they often are forced to “hide/keep” certain sums of money to purchase certain things for themselves or children, because of the misunderstandings that arise from this issue.

“Yesterday I was at the market. The prices there are cheaper, food is cheaper, I could by some cheese, as well as some vegetables...we buy food in Transnistria, many local inhabitants of ours receive pension from Transnistria then with those roubles they go and buy there some stuff. In Chisinau it would cost 100 MDL, but here I can buy the same stuff for 40 rubles. It is cheaper. Clothes, too. Put some money aside and buy something for the kids... as for me ... sometimes yes I can afford it, but it is very rare, only on the 8th of March.” FG_MD_Zonă_Limitrofă

In terms of the differences between the three subsamples, the women from the localities in the border In areaterms evaluate of the differencesto a higher extentbetween (40.5%) the threethat theysubsamples, have lower the inco womenme than from their the husbands/partners. localities in the border At areathe evaluate same time, to a the higher women extent from (40.5%) the localities that they on havethe right lower bank income of the than Nistru their river husbands/partners. (16.1%) and those At thefrom same the time, border the areawomen (11.5%) from believe the localities that they on havethe right a higher bank income of the Nistru than their River husbands/partners, (16.1%) and those fromcompared the border with aarea small (11.5%) number believe of women that inthey the have localities a higher on the income left bank than of thetheir Nistru husbands/partners, river, with the comparedsame response with a small(7.3%). number In the ofRepublic women of in Moldova the localities the amounton the leftof bankthe average of the Nistrumonthly River, salary with per the sameeconomy response for the (7.3%). year In2018 the isRepublic in the amount of Moldova of 6150 the MDL amount23 (approx. of the 358 average USD), monthly and in the salary Transnistrian per econ - 23 omyregion for theis 4270 year rubles 2018 24is, inwhich the amountis about 260of 6150 USD. MDL (approx. 358 USD), and in the Transnistrian region is 4270 rubles24, which is about 260 USD. Figure 34. The evaluation of women's income compared with that of husbands/partners, by Figure 34. The evaluation of women’s income compared with that of husbands/partners, by subsamples, % subsamples, %

Lesser than husband/partner The left bank of the Nistru river 35 7,3 14,8 30,5 12,3 Larger than husband/partner

The same as the one of the Border area 40,5 11,5 13,9 27,6 6,6 husband's/partner's I don't have a husband/partner

The right bank of the Nistru river 35,1 16,1 16,7 20,3 11,8 I don't know/No answer

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Being asked to analyse to what extent these differences in income cause certain influences on the Beingcouple asked relationship, to analyse the to majoritywhat extent of women these differences(54.1%) have in specified income thatcause the certain differences influences in income on thedo notcou- ple affect relationship, at all the the relationship majority between of women women (54.1%) and have their specified husbands/partners. that the differences in income do not affect23National at all B ureauthe relationship of Statistics informsbetween that womenin III quarter and 2018their the husbands/partners. average monthly nominal gross salary was 6 507,3Comparative MDL, registering analysis, an however,increase of revealed 12,0% compared the fact, to thethat third fewer quarter women of 2017 in (source:the localities www.statistica.md) on the left bank Comparative24(4.7%)Information consider analysis, on the that website however, the of difference the revealed so-called in M the incomeinistry fact, of influencesthatecono fewermy of the forwomen T theransnistrian betterin the regionlocalities the couple's (source: on the relationship, left bank (4.7%)http://mer.gospmr.org/gosudarstvennayacompared consider with that women the difference from the localities in -incomesluzhba in-statistiki/informacziya/o theinfluences border areafor the(10.3%) -betterzarabotnoj and the those -platecouple’s from-v-pmr.html) relationship, the localities comon- paredthe rightwith bankwomen of the from Nistru the riverlocalities (7.4%). in theAt the border same area time (10.3%) the number and thoseof women from in the the localities localities on on 60 thethe right left bankbank ofof thethe NistruNistru Riverriver (2.3%)(7.4%). claiming At the same that incometime the gap number has worsened of women the in situation, the localities by triggering on the leftconflicts bank of and the misunderstandings,Nistru River (2.3%) claimingis lower thanthat incomethat of gapthe womenhas worsened in the theborder situation, area (8.5%) by triggering and the conflictslocalities and on themisunderstandings, right bank of the Nistruis lower river than (7.4%) that (See of theFigure women 35). in the border area (8.5%) and the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River (7.4%) (See Figure 35). Figure 35. Evaluating the impact of income difference on the relationship of the couple, by Figuresubsamples, 35. Evaluating % the impact of income difference on the relationship of the couple, by subsamples, %

Influence for the better The left bank of the Nistru river 4,72,3 54,5 38,6

Has worsened the situation, by Border area 10,3 8,5 57,4 23,8 triggering conflicts and misunderstandings

The right bank of the Nistru river 7,4 9,6 53,6 29,3 Don't influence at all

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

23 NationalCertain Bureau barriers of Statistics were informsreported that in IIIthe quarter focus 2018 group the average discussion monthly and nominal interviews gross salary in wasterms 6 507,3 of MDL,the registeringrelations an increase of 12,0% compared to the third quarter of 2017 (source: www.statistica.md) 24 Informationinside the on the family, website in of the cases so-called when Ministry women of economy decide of the to Transnistrian move forwardregion (source: in http://mer.gospmr.org/ the career/public gosudarstvennaya-sluzhba-statistiki/informacziya/o-zarabotnoj-plate-v-pmr.html)participation/politics.

The Perspective“Women of Women in have Rural Areas become on both more Banks of powerful, the Nistru River more / Sociological confident, study more autonomous financially,51 whether they went to training or have grown themselves. But there are risks – there are cases when the family no longer accepts public life/political career of the wife and problems, domestic violence, and even divorce appear. Sometimes as soon as the wife becomes more active, more visible to the public, the husbands feel as if they are threatened. There are cases of women, in the post of mayor, who themselves are victims of domestic violence and do not feel comfortable because the whole village knows, and they are not, in such a case, an example for other women”. I_MD_Expert_3

Barriers faced by rural women in the path of the self-affirmation can be grouped into two categories: (i) socio-economic and (ii) cultural. The socio-economic obstacles are the following:

• fewer opportunities in finding a job and low level of income; • poor conditions for the use of knowledge/studies obtained;

Certain barriers were reported in the focus group discussion and interviews in terms of the relations inside the family, in cases when women decide to move forward in the career/public participation/politics.

“Women have become more powerful, more confident, more autonomous financially, whether they went to training or have grown themselves. But there are risks – there are cases when the family no longer accepts public life/political career of the wife and problems, domestic violence, and even divorce appear. Sometimes as soon as the wife becomes more active, more visible to the public, the husbands feel as if they are threatened. There are cases of women, in the post of mayor, who themselves are victims of domestic violence and do not feel comfortable because the whole village knows, and they are not, in such a case, an example for other women”. I_MD_Expert_3

Barriers faced by rural women in the path of the self-affirmation can be grouped into two categories: (i) socio-economic and (ii) cultural. The socio-economic obstacles are the following:

• fewer opportunities in finding a job and low level of income; • poor conditions for the use of knowledge/studies obtained; • lack of opportunities, technologies, resources, lack of a favourable investment climate; • the persistence of a male model associated with political and entrepreneurial activities; • limited access to goods and services, underdeveloped social infrastructure, which would facili- tate and enhance the quality of life; • overload by domestic unpaid work, as a result of the distribution of unfair of gender roles; • lack of free time for social activities, entertainment and gatherings that are important in the development of individual and emotional well-being. Among the barriers of a cultural nature are the following:

• stereotypes on gender and the gender roles in the family and society, the persistence of which remains to be a big problem, especially in rural communities;

• cultural norms on the relations of power between women and men in the family, and the community, which maintain the economic and decisional dependence of women, domestic violence, but also limiting the potential of women;

• myths and erroneous views with respect to the reduced abilities of women to lead, to take charge of the business;

• addressing the insufficient equality between women and men, at the community level and the LPA, which is not yet perceived as a fundamental right;

• gaps and flawed approaches in the education of the young generation (the educational system and the media insensitive to the dimension of gender).

4.5. Forms of civic and political participation

Although representing 52% of the population of the country, the women of our country continue to be under-represented in the decision-making structures, both in the community and at the highest decision-making levels (Parliament, Ministries, etc.), and that’s because women are still faced with the same situations of disadvantage: lack of financial resources, overwork with domestic duties, lack of opportunities or encouragement in self-affirmation, etc.

52 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Data of the National Bureau of Statistics show that about 50% of women in rural area carried out volunteer work, compared with 43.9% of men who live in the villages. Among women in urban areas this proportion constitutes only 38.4%. The most popular types of volunteering activities are those in community service (59.2%), aid granted to other families in domestic work (31.5%), aid to institutions and organizations of various types in the community (25.4%).

The public survey and qualitative research have analysed the topic of women’s participation in community life and society as a whole, and the visions of women in rural areas about their participation in civic life and politics have been analysed both through in the light of previous experiences, as well as the availability and the commitment to engage in the future.

“I always get involved when it comes to do something, but I don’t always have solutions. Sometimes I think that everything stays the same. Although I go and tell the mayor and speak to the councillors, to the social worker. In the most recent case I got involved in a situation of a lady who has 3 children, of which two have some medical issues, so I made a few calls to see where they can in Chisinau to consult with specialists to see what is wrong with the children. With this activism of mine, I do not know what to do, I think I even bother some people ... I am thinking to become a community mediator”. FG_MD_Femei_Roma

In general, active women in the localities on both banks of the Nistru River, as well as in the border area, participating in discussion groups carried out in the framework of the research, pointed out that they feel sufficiently prepared intellectually and psychologically to be actively involved in community life; while women who do not usually get involved have listed a number of limitations that they feel, especially of a psychological and social nature, rooted in gender stereotypes that circumscribe women’s participation in the spectrum of domestic responsibilities, and care of children and elderly in the family.

”There are a few fundamental reasons for the creation of the platform of the civic dialogue, with the participation of women in addressing the practical problems generated by the frozen conflict on the Nistru River, namely: women are a valuable resource – untapped enough for now – in the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, when having adequate and balanced information, women represent an important agent of change for the better in the conflict resolution process and their role becomes in- creasingly important in identifying solutions to the problems faced by the members of their families, for both children and elderly, because they know the situation better from the inside.” I_MD_Expert_6

Women participating in the research stated in a proportion of 71.2% that they are informed about the fact that they have the right to participate in public events in the community. The analysis of the subsamples shows that women from the left bank of the Nistru River know about this legal right in a smaller proportion (69.5% compared to 72.8% (the women on the right bank) and 75.3% (those in border communities)).

When asked what kind of actions/activities they carried out last year 74.1% responded that they had not participated. Of all the activities listed, most women (16.9%) stated that they had gone to local gatherings, other 3.2% - engaged in the sanitation activities for the locality and 1.8% - in public actions of protest. Other actions (aid for vulnerable persons, strikes, party activities, complaints etc.) have not been attested in a significant number (under 1%).

Analysing the frequency with which women participated in this kind of activity, most often women reported that they participated in: activities organized in the framework of non-governmental organisations, the provision of social aid to the vulnerable and local gatherings. The lowest number of women were engaged in the following events: candidacy for leading positions, submission of a complaint, notification of a violation of law, public demonstrations and professional strikes.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 53 Table 20. The total number of women who participated in various events at community level

Total The right bank of The bor- The left bank of Persons the Nistru River der area the Nistru River

Public actions of protest 15 2.7 2.9 0.0 Professional strikes 7 1.1 1.9 0.2 Public demonstrations 5 0.8 1.9 0.2 Local gatherings 183 22.0 19.9 13.2 Submission of complaint at the vil- 26 2.1 1.9 2.9 lage hall Reporting of a violation of law 14 0.8 1.5 1.9 Sanitation activities 116 9.2 8.7 13.0 Social assistance to vulnerable per- 74 4.8 9.2 8.9 sons The maintenance of public order in 53 5.6 4.9 4.5 the community Activities in the framework of 12 1.5 1.9 0.8 non-governmental organisations Activities in the framework of polit- 9 1.1 1.9 0.4 ical parties Candidacy for leadership positions 5 0.8 0.0 0.2 Something else 4 1.0 2.9 0.0

The comparative analysis has highlighted some differences: in the actions like ”local gatherings”25 women in the communities on the left bank have reported a lower degree of participation than women in the border area or those from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River.

Figure 36. The frequency of participation in local gatherings, by subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 58,8 38,2 2,9

Border area 19,5 58,5 17,1 4,9

The right bank of the Nistru river 25,2 53 16,5 5,2

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

one time 2-3 times 4-9 times 10 times and more

TheThe research research also also looked looked at at women’s women's willingness willingness to participate inin similarsimilar actions actions in in the the future future and and the the resultsresults show show that that women women do do notnot havehave aa greatgreat interest in them.them. Thus,Thus, mostmost women women say say that that they they are are likelylikely to to participate participate in in the the followingfollowing typestypes of of actions: actions:

• Reporting a law violation (32.8%); 25 Participation in other types of community events did not differ significantly and the number of positive answers to certain kinds of activities has been• tooSanitation small to makeactions comparative for the localityanalysis worthwhile.(29.3); • Submitting a complaint to the village hall (27.4%); 54 • Local assemblies (gatherings)The Perspective (27.4%). of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study

The active participation of women in community life is determined by a number of social factors, interpersonal factor, the educational context and the family. From the standpoint of personal characteristics, we find that women involved in civic education are women that promote fairness, openness to new things, perseverance, critical thinking, etc. Supporting the partner and family of origin is extremely important in the professional advancement and building of self-confidence (See case study: Woman leader of the ethnic minority community).

Case study: Woman leader of the ethnic minority community ______

Biographical data: 36 years, married, 2 children (14 years and 9 years).

Occupation: community mediator (two years worked as a volunteer in that capacity).

Personal characteristics: Fairness, openness towards the new, enthusiasm, emancipated vision about gender relations in the family, perseverance, effective conflict management skills, determination, competitive and innovative spirit, cooperative and inclusive, willingness to work with the youth (role model), high corporate social responsibility, varied interests, reliability studies, power of argumentation, awareness of the role model for own children and for other people, mobilizing other women, courage, financial independence, sociability, critical thinking, self-analysis ability.

Relational, family and couple factors: support from husband's side, assertive positioning in the relationship (no submission, no bossy type dominance), acceptance and mutual respect, contribution to the family income, financial management through collaboration.

• Reporting a law violation (32.8%);

• Sanitation actions for the locality (29.3);

• Submitting a complaint to the village hall (27.4%);

• Local assemblies (gatherings) (27.4%).

The active participation of women in community life is determined by a number of social factors, interpersonal factor, the educational context and the family. From the standpoint of personal characteristics, we find that women involved in civic education are women that promote fairness, openness to new things, perseverance, critical thinking, etc. Supporting the partner and family of origin is extremely important in the professional advancement and building of self-confidence (See case study: Woman leader of the ethnic minority community).

Case study: Woman leader of the ethnic minority community

Biographical data: 36 years, married, 2 children (14 years and 9 years). Occupation: community mediator (two years worked as a volunteer in that capacity). Personal characteristics: Fairness, openness towards the new, enthusiasm, emancipated vision about gender relations in the family, perseverance, effective conflict management skills, determination, competitive and innovative spirit, cooperative and inclusive, willingness to work with the youth (role model), high corporate social responsibility, varied interests, reliability studies, power of argumentation, awareness of the role model for own children and for other people, mobilizing other women, courage, financial independence, sociability, critical thinking, self-analysis ability. Relational, family and couple factors: support from husband’s side, assertive positioning in the relationship (no submission, no bossy type dominance), acceptance and mutual respect, contribution to the family income, financial management through collaboration. Social factors: encouragement of the teachers in the period of adolescence, encouragement, physical help and the emotional support of the parents, the support of the mayor, the support of the community, groups of friends, collaboration with NGOs and partners in the community, positive public image prior to the decision to be more active in public, social networking, reliable friends and colleagues. The context of educational and professional studies: studies and good jobs, before the current position; additional knowledge of the field in which she operates, orientation towards learning. Values and personal priorities: tolerance and non-discrimination, education, volunteering, autonomous thinking, self-discipline, realizing the potential, helping others. Results that maintain the decision of involvement: social recognition, appreciation by the family and the husband, notoriety, concrete results, satisfaction with the work performed. Issues identified throughout the work: lack of support for women from the LPA and the family, poor motivation, low self-confidence, reduced interest of the Government towards women’s issues, discrimination against ethnic minorities, discrimination against women, damaging the public image of active women, gender relations tense in the family, negative influence of other men on her husband. Personal challenges: discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, difficulties in reconciling professional activity and leadership with family life, husband’s jealousy, limited involvement of the husband in the upbringing and education of children, regular fatigue.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 55 Social factors: encouragement of the teachers in the period of adolescence, encouragement, physical help and the emotional support of the parents, the support of the mayor, the support of the community, groups of friends, collaboration with NGOs and partners in the community, positive public image prior to the decision to be more active in public, social networking, reliable friends and colleagues.

The context of educational and professional studies: studies and good jobs, before the current position; additional knowledge of the field in which she operates, orientation towards learning.

Values and personal priorities: tolerance and non-discrimination, education, volunteering, autonomous thinking, self-discipline, realizing the potential, helping others.

Results that maintain the decision of involvement: social recognition, appreciation by the family and the husband, notoriety, concrete results, satisfaction with the work performed.

Issues identified throughout the work: lack of support for women from the LPA and the family, poor motivation, low self-confidence, reduced interest of the Government towards women's issues, discrimination against ethnic minorities, discrimination against women, damaging the public image of active women, gender relations tense in the family, negative influence of other men on her husband.

Personal challenges: discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, difficulties in reconciling professional activity and leadership with family life, husband's jealousy, limited involvement of the husband in the upbringing and education of children, regular fatigue. The survey reveals that fewer women intend to participate in the following actions:

The• Activities survey revealsin the framework that fewer of awomen party (6.4%); intend to participate in the following actions:

• Candidacy• to leadershipActivities posts in the (7.5%); framework of a party (6.4%); • Activities in• theCandidacy framework toof leadershipnon-governmental posts (7.5%); organisations (8.4%); • Activities in the framework of non-governmental organisations (8.4%); • Public actions of protest (9.3%). • Public actions of protest (9.3%).

FigureFigure 37. 37. The The share share of women of women who stated who thatstated are verythat likely/likely are very likely/likelyto attend certain to typesattend of events,certain types of events, by subsamples, % by subsamples, %

Activities in the framework of non- governmental organizations 8,6 5,9 7,6

To run for leadership positions 6,0 5,9 7,6

Activities in the framework of political parties 7,3 5,6 8,3

The left bank of the Nistru river Border area The right bank of the Nistru river

At the same time, the activities in which most women do not intend to participate are the following: 66 • Candidacy to leadership positions (62.8%); • Activities in the framework of political parties (60.9%);

• Professional strikes (59%);

• Public protest actions (58.3%) and public demonstrations (58%).

The analysis on the basis of sub-samples revealed the following differences: women in villages of the border area say that they will not participate in the “public protest actions” in a higher proportion (66.8%) than those from the localities on the left bank (59.1%) and on the right bank of the Nistru River (57.4%). Also, they support to a greater extent (72.1%) that they will not participate in “professional strikes” compared with the women on the left bank (59.7%) and on the right bank (58.2%) of the Nistru River, at “public demonstrations” (72.1% versus 57.2% and, respectively, 58.9%) and in the “local gatherings” (58.3% versus 34.3% and, respectively, to 48.2%). At the same time, the women from the localities in the border area claim that they will not participate in “activities in the framework of non-governmental organizations” and “activities in the framework of political parties”, to a greater extent than those from the localities on the left and right bank.

56 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study At the same time, the activities in which most women do not intend to participate are the following: At the same time, the activities in which most women do not intend to participate are the following: • Candidacy to leadership positions (62.8%); • CandidacyActivities in to the leadership framework positions of political (62.8%); parties (60.9%); • ActivitiesProfessional in the strik frameworkes (59%); of political parties (60.9%); • ProfessionalPublic protest strik actionses (59%); (58.3%) and public demonstrations (58%). • Public protest actions (58.3%) and public demonstrations (58%). The analysis on the basis of sub-samples revealed the following differences: women in villages of the borderThe analysis area onsay the that basis they of will sub not-samples participate revealed in the following“public protest differences: actions” women in a higherin villages proportion of the (66.8%)border areathan saythose that from they the will localities not participate on the left in bank the “public(59.1%) protestand on actions”the right ibankn a higher of the proportionNistru river (57.4%).(66.8%) than Also, those they from support the tolocalities a greater on theextent left (72.1%)bank (59.1%) that theyand on will the not right participate bank of the in “professional Nistru river strikes”(57.4%). compared Also, they with support the women to a greater on the extent left bank (72.1%) (59.7%) that and they on will the notright participate bank (58.2%) in “professional of the Nistru river,strikes” at compared “public demonstrations” with the women on(72.1% the leftversus bank 57.2% (59.7%) and, and respectively,on the right bank58.9%) (58.2%) and ofin thethe Nistru “local public demonstrations” gatherings”river, at “ (58.3% versus 34.3% and, (72.1% respectively, versus 57.2% to 48.2%). and, respectively,At the same time,58.9%) the and women in the from “local the localitiesgatherings” in the(58.3% border versus area 34.3% claim and, that respectively, they will not to participate 48.2%). At inthe “activities same time, in the the framework women from of nonthe - localities in the border area claim that they will not participate in “activities in the framework of non- governmental organizations” and “activities in the framework of political parties”, to a greater extent governmental organizations” and “activities in the framework of political parties”, to a greater extent than those from the localities on the left and right bank. than those from the localities on the left and right bank. Figure 38. The probability of women to participate in activities in the framework of non-governmental Figure 3838.. TheThe probability probability of of women women to toparticipate participate in activities in activities in the in framework the framework of non-governmental of non-governmental organisations, % organisations, % organisations, %

The left bank of the Nistru river (N=510) 7,1 28,0 51,6 12,9 The left bank of the Nistru river (N=510) 7,1 28,0 51,6 12,9

Border area (N=202) 4,5 15,8 72,6 5,5 Border area (N=202) 4,5 15,8 72,6 5,5

The right bank of the Nistru river (N=513) 8,7 20,8 59,2 10,8 The right bank of the Nistru river (N=513) 8,7 20,8 59,2 10,8

Very likely Probably Unlikely I will not participate I can not answer Very likely Probably Unlikely I will not participate I can not answer

Figure 39. The probability of women to participate in leadership positions, % Figure 39. The probability of women to participate in leadership positions, % Figure 39. The probability of women to participate in leadership positions, %

The left bank of the Nistru river (N=514) 5,6 11,4 30,1 52,5 The left bank of the Nistru river (N=514) 5,6 11,4 30,1 52,5

Border area (N=206) 3,8 11,8 77,7 4,6 Border area (N=206) 3,8 11,8 77,7 4,6

The right bank of the Nistru river (N=518) 6,7 17,2 64,8 10,4 The right bank of the Nistru river (N=518) 6,7 17,2 64,8 10,4

Very likely Probably Unlikely I will not participate I can not answer Very likely Probably Unlikely I will not participate I can not answer

Figure 40. The probability of women to participate in activities in the framework of political parties, % Figure 40. The probability of women to participate in activities in the framework of political parties,6767 %

The left bank of the Nistru river (N=513) 1,16,2 20,4 61,1 11,2

Border area (N=202) 2,13,6 12,1 79,6 2,6

The right bank of the Nistru river (N=516) 0,77,6 19,2 63,0 9,5

Very likely Probably Unlikely I will not participate I can not answer

At the same time, women on the left bank of the Nistru river say, to a greater extent (41.4%) compared Atwith the samethose time, in the women border on area the left(16.3%) bank and of the those Nistru on River the rightsay, to bank a greater of the extent Nistru (41.4%) river (13.6%) compared that in the withfuture those they in the are border likely to area ”submit (16.3%) a andcomplaint those on at thethe right village bank hall” of ,the as wellNistru as River ”report (13.6%) a violation that in theof the law” future(52.5% they compared are likely toto ”submit16.8% ina complaintthe border at the area village and 13.4%hall”, as in well the as localities ”report a onviolation the right of the bank) law” and the (52.5% compared to 16.8% in the border area and 13.4% in the localities on the right bank) and the ”sanitation activities of the locality” (42.3% versus 20.2%, and, respectively, 16.9%). ”sanitation activities of the locality” (42.3% versus 20.2%, and, respectively, 16.9%). In questions concerning public participation (in administration, politics, work, etc.), traditionalist views Thewere Perspective explicitly of Women highlighted.in Rural Areas on both Thus, Banks in of thethe Nistru general River / Sociological sample, study 31.8%of women in rural areas57 on the left and right bank and in the border area believe that “it is preferable for the men to lead” in public life and 12.1% believe that “it is preferable for women to lead”. At the same time, the majority of women (54%), however, believe that “gender does not matter” when it comes to leading positions in public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc.

Figure 41. Women's participation in public life by subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 39,2 10,8 47,9 2,2

Border area 22,3 11 64,1 2,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 24,6 13,5 60,1 1,9

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

It is preferable that men lead It is preferable the women to lead Gender doesn't matter I can't answer

Figure 40. The probability of women to participate in activities in the framework of political parties, %

The left bank of the Nistru river (N=513) 1,16,2 20,4 61,1 11,2

Border area (N=202) 2,13,6 12,1 79,6 2,6

The right bank of the Nistru river (N=516) 0,77,6 19,2 63,0 9,5

Very likely Probably Unlikely I will not participate I can not answer

At the same time, women on the left bank of the Nistru river say, to a greater extent (41.4%) compared with those in the border area (16.3%) and those on the right bank of the Nistru river (13.6%) that in the future they are likely to ”submit a complaint at the village hall”, as well as ”report a violation of the law” (52.5% compared to 16.8% in the border area and 13.4% in the localities on the right bank) and the ”sanitation activities of the locality” (42.3% versus 20.2%, and, respectively, 16.9%). In questions concerning public participation (in administration, politics, work, etc.), traditionalist views wereIn questions explicitly concerning highlighted. public Thus, participation in the general (in sample,administration, 31.8%of politics, women work, in rural etc.), areas traditionalist on the left views and rightwere bank explicitly and in highlighted. the border areaThus, believe in the generalthat “it is sample, preferable 31.8%of for the women men to inlead” rural in publicareas on life the and left 12.1% and believeright bank that “andit is preferablein the border for women area believe to lead”. that At the“it issame preferable time, the for majority the men of to women lead” in (54%), public however, life and believe that “gender does not matter” when it comes to leading positions in public life, in administra- 12.1% believe that “it is preferable for women to lead”. At the same time, the majority of women (54%), tion, politics, workplace, etc. however, believe that “gender does not matter” when it comes to leading positions in public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. Figure 41. Women’s participation in public life by subsamples, % Figure 41. Women's participation in public life by subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 39,2 10,8 47,9 2,2

Border area 22,3 11 64,1 2,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 24,6 13,5 60,1 1,9

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

It is preferable that men lead It is preferable the women to lead Gender doesn't matter I can't answer

The right bank of the Nistru River 68

The analysis of the respondents’ answers from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River, on the basis of other socio-demographic variables, shows that women aged 45-59 years consider in a higher proportion (28.5 per cent) that “in public life it is preferable for the men to lead”, and the sub-group of 30- 44 years say that “gender does not matter” (69.3%). This response is the most frequent option for women with higher education (74.4%), employed or entrepreneurs (65.9%), while women with incomplete education (29.3%) and those who do not work (29.2%) or are temporarily not working (28.5%) and the divorced ones (27.5%) opt for the option “men should be in the leadership posts in public life”. The sub- group of married women in a higher proportion (62%) claim that “gender doesn’t matter”.

Findings:

• Women who choose the option “In public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. it is preferable for men to lead”: 45-59 years, incomplete secondary education, not working or temporarily not working, are divorced.

• Women who choose the option “In public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. it is preferable for women to lead”: 45-59 years, general studies/ professional, employed/ entrepreneurs, are divorced.

• Women who have opted for the answer “gender doesn’t matter”: 30-44 years, higher education, employed/ entrepreneurs, are married.

58 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study The left bank of the Nistru River

The analysis of the responses of the women in the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River, depending on other variables, highlighted the fact that women in sub-group of 60+years believe in a greater extent (41.7%) that “in public life it is preferable for men to lead”, for the same answer opting mostly women with general education level /vocational level (42.1%), those who do not work (46.4%) and those married (42.5 percent). Among the sub-groups of respondents who opt specifically for the option “in public life it is preferable for women to lead”, the majority are women of 45-59 years old, divorced (27.9) and those with higher education. Women with incomplete secondary education form the sub-group with the lowest rate of response (5.9%) in favour of women. The answer “the gender doesn’t matter” is found significantly more rarely in this question compared with the question about the leadership role of women and men in family life. However, the sub-groups who opt mainly for this answer are the women of 30-44 years (52.6%), with high school/college studies (50.9%) and widowed women (59.2%).

Findings:

• Women who choose the option “In public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. it is preferable for men to lead”: 18 to 29 years and 60 years and over, general school/ vocational training, temporarily not working, are married. • Women who choose the option “In public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. it is preferable for women to lead”: 45-59 years old, higher education, not working, divorced. • Women who have opted for the answer “the gender doesn’t matter”: 30-44 years, high school/college studies, employed/entrepreneurs, widows. The border area

The analysis of the responses of women from different sub-categories, depending on various socio-demographic variables, shows that the majority of women who are of the opinion that “in public life it is preferable for men to lead” are in the age category 60+ (32%), and they are the ones with the least responses in favour of women (8%). And the sub-group of women aged 30-44 is the majority to answer “the gender doesn’t matter” (72.9%), to which opt the women with high school/college (84%) and those with high incomes (69.7%). Women with incomplete secondary education in a higher proportion (35.3%) than other women in the sub-groups on levels of education support the men, while widows (3%) and women who don’t work (6.4%) form the smaller sub-groups that support women, these being mainly supported by employed women/ entrepreneurs (16.4%) and divorced women (24.4%).

Findings:

• Women who choose the option “In public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. it is preferable for men to lead”: the 60+, incomplete secondary education, not working, are married.

• Women who choose the option “In public life, in administration, politics, workplace, etc. it is preferable for women to lead”: 30-44 years, general /vocation school, employed/ entrepreneurs, are divorced.

• Women who have opted for the answer “the gender doesn’t matter”: 30-44 years, high school/college, temporarily not working, high-income, married or widowed.

When asked if women’s participation in political life would influence things for the better or for worse, the majority of women (49.4%) of the total sample opted for the answer “rather for the better”, 25.4% believe that “in no way” would influence, while 12.9% of respondents are of the opinion that women’s participation would influence things for the worse.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 59 Figure 42. Perceptions on women’s participation in political life, by the subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 33,1 15 35,9 16,1

Border area 65,2 13,1 15,1 6,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 65,4 10,9 15,2 8,5

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Rather well Rather in the bad side In no way I can't answer

TheThe women women in inthe the localities localities on on the the right right bank bank of ofthe the Nistru Nistru River river and and those tho sefrom from the the border border area area have have viewsviews with with percentage percentage valuesvalues approximately equalequal in in terms terms of of influencing influencing for forthe thebetter better of things of things (65.4% (65.4%and respectively and respectively 65.2%), 65.2%), while onlywhile 33.15% only 33.15% of the ofwomen the women in the localitiesin the localities on the onleft the bank left of bank the Nistru of theriver Nistru are Riverof the are same of theopinion. same In opinion. these settlements In these settlements the percentage the percentage of women, of who women, believe who that believe women's thatparticipation women’s participation would not influence would notthings influence in any way things is much in any higher way (35.9%)is much compared higher (35.9%) with women compared in the with women in the localities on the right bank (15.2 per cent) and the border area (15.1%). localities on the right bank (15.2 per cent) and the border area (15.1%). Findings for women from the right bank of the Nistru River: Findings for women from the right bank of the Nistru river: • Respondents who believe that women’s participation in political life would influence things •“ratherRespondents for the better” who: 18 believe to 29 years that women's(72.8%) and participation 45-59 years in (70.8%), political general life would studies/ influence vocation things studies“rather (68.9%) for andthe higherbetter” :learning 18 to 29(66.4%), years employed/entrepreneurs (72.8%) and 45-59 years (70.9%), (70.8%), average general income studies/ (69.5%),vocation divorced studies (72.2%). (68.9%) and higher learning (66.4%), employed/entrepreneurs (70.9%), average • Respondentsincome (69.5%), who believe divorced that (72.2%). women’s participation in political life would influence things •“ratherRespondents for the worse” who: 60+ believe years that (12.3%), women's incomplete participation secondary in political education life (14.3%), would influencenot working things (13.7%),“rather low for income the worse” (up to: 60+13.2%), years were (12.3%), never incomplete married (15%). secondary education (14.3%), not working • Women(13.7%), who low believe income that (up women’s to 13.2%), participation were never inmarried political (15%). life would influence things in“ no •wayWomen”: 30-44 yearswho (22.1%), believe thathigh women's school/college participation (17.4%), in temporarily political life not would working influence (18.1%), things married “in no (16.4way percent).”: 30-44 years (22.1%), high school/college (17.4%), temporarily not working (18.1%), Findings formarried women (16.4 from percent). the left bank of the Nistru River

Findings• Respondents for women who from believe the left that bank women’s of the Nistruparticipation river in political life would influence things “rather for the better”: 45-59 years old (37.9%), higher education (39%), unemployed (38.9%), di- •vorcedRespondents (41.9%) who believe that women's participation in political life would influence things “rather for the better”: 45-59 years old (37.9%), higher education (39%), unemployed (38.9%), • Respondents who believe that women’s participation in political life would influence things “ratherdivorced for the (41.9%) worse” : 60+years (18.9%), general school/vocational school (18.1%), not working •(16.1%),Respondents average income who believe (17.2%), that married women's (16.6%). participation in political life would influence things “rather for the worse”: 60+years (18.9%), general school/vocational school (18.1%), not working • Women who believe that women’s participation in political life would influence things in“ no way”(16.1%),:18 to 29 average years (38.7%), income incomplete (17.2%), married secondary (16.6%). education (49.9%), employed/ entrepreneurs •(40.1%),Women widowed who believe(43.5%). that women's participation in political life would influence things “in no way”:18 to 29 years (38.7%), incomplete secondary education (49.9%), employed/ Findings for women in the border area entrepreneurs (40.1%), widowed (43.5%). • Women who believe that women’s participation in political life would influence things rather“ Findingsfor the for better”: women 30-44 in the years border (71.2%), area higher education (69.4%), employed/ entrepreneurs (69.1%), divorced (75.6%) 71

60 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study • Women who believe that women’s participation in political life would influence things rather“ for the worse”: 60+years (18%), incomplete secondary education (19.4%), not working (15.9%), were never married (26.1%).

• Women who believe that women’s participation in political life would influence things in“ no way”: 60+ years (16%), high school/college (28.2%), unemployed (22.4%), divorced (24.4%).

The qualitative study allowed to highlight several factors that causes/encourages women to participate in the political sphere. One of these factors relates to the support of the family and the support of the partner/husband. Women who enjoy husband, child, and community support are easily succeed- ing politically. In addition to family factors, personality factors are also important, which highlights the initiative, the desire for self-affirmation, courage, flexibility and persistence, etc.

Case study: Woman leader in the LPA

Biographical data: married, 2 children. Occupation: mayor for 8 years Personal characteristics: team spirit, wisdom, loyalty, the need for self-affirmation, consistency, vigour, courage, strategic vision, authority, persistence, flexibility, energy, determination and perseverance, the desire to produce changes in the community, the objective to make transparent the activity of LPA, interest to enhance the attractiveness of the village so the people wouldn’t leave the village, but to invest, the emphasis on large-scale projects, infrastructure. Relational, family and couple factors: the husband (former local councillor), similarities of vision and values, respect and acceptance; support and help of children (already adults). Social factors: the support of the community, the support of the extended family, a developed village, those who left the village support certain projects thanks to the dynamism of the mayor. Educational and professional context: job related to LPA (previously a secretary at the village hall) and previous work in the police, activism increased in the period of youth. Values and personal priorities: common sense, fairness, non-acceptance of conflicts of interest, mo- tivating others, promoting women, continuous development. Results that maintain the decision of involvement: detachment of the views offensive to some, the projects with the community impact, the proximity of Chisinau and other geographical strategic points which provides employment opportunities to the people of the village, plans for the development of the community. Issues identified throughout the work: the lack of communication between different social actors/ community, low involvement of women in the community, lack of interest or courage of women, lack of solidarity between women. Personal challenges: self-doubt shape the decision to run, clashes with the gender stereotypes of the community at the beginning of the mayor career, the differences in political views with some of the social actors, the reconciliation of life of mayor with family life, the spirit of competition of certain social actors or people in the community.

There are no significant differences between the responses of women to this statement, on the basis of the three replications of the research.

The socio-demographic profile, however, presents several features, namely: women aged 45-59 years

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 61 Issues identified throughout the work: the lack of communication between different social actors/ community, low involvement of women in the community, lack of interest or courage of women, lack of solidarity between women.

Personal challenges: self-doubt shape the decision to run, clashes with the gender stereotypes of the community at the beginning of the mayor career, the differences in political views with some of the social actors, the reconciliation of life of mayor with family life, the spirit of competition of certain social actors or people in the community.

Figure 43. Views on the rights of women and men in the community, on the subsamples, % Figure 43. Views on the rights of women and men in the community, on the subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 55,7 25 16 2

Border area 63,2 21,8 10,1 3,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 56,2 26,7 12,6 2,6

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Totally agree Partially agree Partially disagree Totally disagree Can not answer

fromThere the are localities no significant on the differencesleft bank of between the Nistru the River, responses in a greater of women proportion to this statement, (22.1%) express on the disagree basis of - mentthe withthree this replications statement of thethan research. any other age group both in the same sub-sample and in the other two subsamples.The socio-demographic Also, widowed profile, and divorcedhowever, women presents from several the localitiesfeatures, onnamely: the left women bank ofaged the 45 Nistru-59 years River to froma greater the extent localities than on those the leftwith bank another of the marital Nistru status, river, in inthe a same greater sample, proportion but also (22.1%) from the express other subsamples, disagree wholly or partially with this statement. disagreement with this statement than any other age group both in the same sub-sample and in the Womenother twowith subsamples. higher education Also, widowed and those and with divorced high womenincomes from constitute the localities the biggest on the groups left bank that of supthe - portNistru this riverstatement, to a greater in all subsamples. extent than those with another marital status, in the same sample, but also from the other subsamples, disagree wholly or partially with this statement. Figure 44. Views on the involvement of women and men in leadership positions and in politics, Women with higher education and those withby subsamples, high incom es% constitute the biggest groups that support this statement, in all subsamples.

FigureThe left 44. bank Views of the on Nistruthe involvement river of women46,5 and men in leadership29 positions and18,6 in politics,3,32,6 by subsamples, %

Border area 52,5 27,6 9,5 4,3 6,1

The right bank of the Nistru river 52,6 27,7 13,2 2,3 4,2

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Totally agree Partially agree Partially disagree Totally disagree Can not answer 73

WomenWomen in in the the localities localities on on the the left left bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru River river to to a a larger larger extent extent (22%)(22%) thanthan womenwomen in the otherother two two subsamples subsamples (15.5% (15.5% and and 13.8%)13.8%) disagree partiallypartially or or totally totally with with this this statement. statement.

TheThe analysis analysis of of respondents’ respondents' answers, answers, based based on on other other socio-demographic socio-demographic variables,variables, highlightedhighlighted the the fact fact thatthat the the divorced divorced women women from from the the localities localities on on the the right right bankbank of the Nistru and thosethose inin thethe border border area area havehave expressed expressed to to a greatera greater extent extent their their agreement agreement with with this this statement, statement, compared compared to to the the women women from from the localitiesthe localities on the on left the bank left ofbank the of Nistru the Nistru River. Atriver. the At same the time,same womentime, w omenon the on right the and right left and bank left sub-sambank - ples who do not work temporarily or do not work at all, as well as the divorced women from the left bank sub-samples who do not work temporarily or do not work at all, as well as the divorced women from the of the Nistru River, have expressed more or less the total or partial disagreement on this statement. Per- left bank of the Nistru river, have expressed more or less the total or partial disagreement on this petuation of stereotypes and traditionalist approaches in Moldovan society, which are more persistent statement. Perpetuation of stereotypes and traditionalist approaches in Moldovan society, which are especially in rural areas, by attributing gender-differentiated social roles, keep the women trapped in the more persistent especially in rural areas, by attributing gender-differentiated social roles, keep the household, childcare and elderly care responsibilities and hinder their plenary participation as members women trapped in the household, childcare and elderly care responsibilities and hinder their plenary of non-governmental, public, political parties, these activities being mainly attributed to men. participation as members of non-governmental, public, political parties, these activities being mainly attributed to men. 62 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study

V. WOMEN’S HEALTH IN RURAL AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE

NISTRUV.V. Women's Women's RIVER health health in in rural rural areas areas on on both both sides sides of of the the Nistru Nistru river river

5.1.5 Access.51..1 A. cAccec tosess sthealtho t oh ehaelat hlservicest hs esrevrivciecse s AccessAccessAccess to health to t ohealth health services services services was was evaluatedwas evaluated evaluated on on the on the basisthe basis basis of ofthe of the thefollowing following following indicators: indicators: indicators: the the the availability availability availability inin in thethe the communitycommunitycommunity of theof of the Centre the Centre Centre of ofFamily of Family Family Doctors Doctors Doctors – –the –the the availability availability availability of of ofthe the the doctor doctor doctor inin in the the community, community, availability availabil availability- ity ofof ofcentres centres centres providing providing providing healthcarehealthcare healthcare servicesservices services toto to thethe the elderlyelde elderlyrly oror orpersons persons persons withwith with disabilities,disabilities, disabilities, thethe the possibilitypossibility possibility ofof of purchasingpurchasingpurchasing the the medical the medical medical insurance insurance insurance policy policy policy if if women ifwomen women areare are unemployed unemployed or or or work work work unofficially. unofficially.unofficially.

In 60%InIn 60% of 60% the of of thecommunities the communities communities studied studied studied women women women do do notdo not nothave have have access access access to to healthto health health care care care centres/Centres centres/Centres centres/Centres of of ofFamily Family Family Doctors.Doctors.Doctors. This This implies This imp implies thatlies that morethat more more than than than half half halfof ofrural of rural rural women women women have have have to to travel to travel travel to to other to other other communities communities communities (urban) (urban) (urban) toto to havehave accesshave access access to health to to health health services. services. services. The The lackThe lack oflack aof healthof a ahealth health care care care establishment estab establishmentlishment in in the in the the community community community causes causes causes aa seriesaseries series of healthofof health health risks risks duerisks due todue financialto to financial financial inability inability inability oror impossibilityor impossibility impossibility ofof of thethe the womenwomen women toto to go gogo to to to another anotheranother community community for forfor a a a medicalmedicalmedical visit. visit. visit. This This This situation situation situation explains explains explains the the low low raterate rate of of of visits visits visits of of of rural rural rural women womenwomen to to the the doctor. doctor.doctor.

MonthlyMonthlyMonthly expenditure expenditure expenditure of rural of of rural households rural households households for health for for health healthservices services services varies varies from varies from500 from to 500 700 500 to MDL. to 700 700 The MDL. MDL. popu The The- lationpopulationpopulation on the right on on the thebank right right of bank thebank ofNistru of the the Nistru River Nistru riverspends river spends spends on average on on average average 580 580 MDL580 MDL MDL monthly, monthly, monthly, households households households in in in thethe the securitysecuritysecurity zone zone zone– 691 – –691 MDL691 MDL MDLmonthly, monthly, monthly, and and andthose those those on on theon the theleft left leftbank bank bank of of theof the the Nistru Nistru Nistru - -510 510- 510 Transnistrian Transnistrian Transnistrian rublesrubles rubles (See(See Table(See Table Table 18). 18). 18).

FigureFigureFigure 45. 45. The45. Theshare The share ofshare women of of women whowomen have who who access have have in FigureFigure 46. 46. 46. TheThe The share share of of womenwomen women whowho who have have have access access access in in in the community to the Centre of Family Doctors, % the community to the Centres that provide health- accessaccess in in the the community community to to the the Centre Centre of of thethe communitycommunity toto thethe CentresCentres thatthat provideprovide care services to the elderly % FamilyFamily Doctors, Doctors, % % healthcarehealthcare services services to to the the elderly elderly % %

15,615,6

41,441,4

58,658,6

84,484,4

YesYes NotNot YesYes NotNot

Of the total number of respondents only 40% have health insurance. Every second woman who does not own a health insurance policy mentioned that she had no money to purchase it. The comparative OfOf the the total total number number of of respondents respondents only only 40% 40% have have health health insurance. insurance. Every Every second second woman woman who who does does not not analysis of the population from the right bank of the Nistru River and the border area doesn’t attest any ownown a a health health insurance insurance policy policy mentioned mentioned that that she she had had no no money money to to purchase purchase it. it. The The comparative comparative differences in this compartment. analysisanalysis of of the the population population from from the the right right bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru ri verriver and and the the border border area area doesn’t doesn’t attest attest any any Evendifferences differencesif women in from in this this compartment.the compartment. left bank of the Nistru River benefit from a free healthcare system, many of them prefer to treat themselves on the right bank of the Nistru River, purchasing a medical insurance.

The quality of medical services, in the view of participants at the group discussions, is higher on the right bank of the Nistru River, compared with other regions. The technologies available on the right 7575 bank are appreciated as being up-to-date, and the ones on the left bank – obsolete. The best quality

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 63 EvenEven ifif womenwomen fromfrom thethe leftleft bankbank ofof thethe NistruNistru riverriver benefitbenefit fromfrom aa freefree healthcarehealthcare system,system, manymany ofof themthem preferprefer toto treattreat themselvesthemselves onon thethe rightright bankbank ofof thethe NistruNistru river,river, purchasipurchasingng aa medicalmedical insurance.insurance.

TheThe qualityquality ofof medicalmedical services,services, inin thethe viewview ofof participantsparticipants atat thethe groupgroup discussions,discussions, isis higherhigher onon thethe rightright bankbank ofof thethe NistruNistru river,river, comparedcompared withwith otherother regions.regions. TheThe technologiestechnologies availableavailable onon thethe rightright bankbank areare appreciatedappreciated asas bebeinging upup--toto--date,date, andand thethe onesones onon thethe leftleft bankbank –– obsolete.obsolete. The The best best quality quality medical medical servicesservices areare providedprovided inin thethe ChisinauChisinau municipalitymunicipality comparedcompared withwith thosethose atat thethe locallocal oror districtdistrict level.level. TheThe lacklack of of an an efficient efficient health health care care system system in in the the rural rural area area is is deter determinedmined by by the the emigration emigration of of medicalspecialists/doctorsspecialists/doctors services are provided toto urbanurban in areasareas the Chisinau oror abroad.abroad. municipality SocialSocial assistanceassistance compared servicesservices with renderedrendered those at onon the thethe local leftleft bankorbank district ofof thethe level.NistruNistru The lack river river of are arean moreefficient more focused focused health on on the thecare physical physicalsystem fitnessin fitness the ofrural of the the area dwelling dwelling is determined and and less less on onby the the psychological psychologicalemigration of specialists/doctorscounsellingcounselling ofof vulnerabvulnerab to urbanlele groups.groups.areas or abroad. Social assistance services rendered on the left bank of the Nistru River are more focused on the physical fitness of the dwelling and less on the psychological counselling “Dueof“Due vulnerable toto thethe illnessillness groups. II veryvery oftenoften gogo toto thethe doctor,doctor, butbut it'sit's clearclear thatthat anythinganything elseelse otherother thanthan referralsreferrals toto ComratComrat oror Chisinau,Chisinau, II don'tdon't getget there,there, notnot eveneven aa goodgood word,word, aa soothing.soothing. UsuallyUsually sheshe “Due toknowsknows the illness nothing,nothing, I very cancan often dodo nothing nothinggo to the sheshe doctor, andand immediatelyimmediately but it’s clear sendssends that anythingmeme toto otherother else doctors,doctors, other than though,though, referrals eveneven to forfor Comratthosethose or Chisinau, referralsreferrals I don’tII needneed get toto there, humiliatehumiliate not even myself,myself, a good eveneven word, forfor aa simplesoothing.simple bloodblood Usually test.test. she AlthoughAlthough knows, , nothing, II hadhad anan can doinsurance,insurance, nothing she itit hashas and notnot immediately beenbeen ofof anyany sends useuse toto me me,me, to II haveotherhave always alwaysdoctors, paidpaid though, forfor everythingeverything even for andthoseand stillstill referrals paypay backback I need todebtsdebts humiliate forfor hospitalization,hospitalization, myself, even for medicationmedication a simple blood andand surgery.” surgery.”test. Although, FG_MD_UTAGFG_MD_UTAG I had an. . insurance, "If"If youyou havehave it has money,money, not been thenthen of any everythinguseeverything to me, isIis have possible,possible, always youyou paid cancan for buybuy everything aa healthhealth insurance insuranceand still pay onon thebackthe rightright debts bbank ankfor ofhospitalization,of thethe NistruNistru river.river. med TheThe- icationclinics,clinics, and surgery.” allall areare providedprovided FG_MD_UTAG. withwith necessarynecessary “If you equipment, equipment,have money, butbut then inin ChisinauChisinau everything itit isis higherishigher possible, qualityquality you andand can soundssounds buy a health insurance on the right bank of the Nistru River. The clinics, all are provided with necessary safer.safer. InIn MoldovaMoldova theythey alwaysalways meetmeet usus inin aa moremore goodgood--naturednatured wayway thanthan inin Bender”Bender” equipment, but in Chisinau it is higher quality and sounds safer. In Moldova they always meet us in a FG_MS_Centru_6FG_MS_Centru_6 more good-natured way than in Bender” FG_MS_Centru_6 “When"When"When you have youyou a havehave serious aa seriousserious health healthhealth problem problemproblem we go wewe to gogo treat toto treattreat ourselves ourselvesourselves in Chisinau inin ChisinauChisinau and andand of of ofcourse coursecourse they theythey write thewritewrite prescriptions thethe prescriptiprescripti in onsRomanian.ons inin Romanian.Romanian. And when AndAnd whenwewhen go we weto the gogo topharmacyto thethe pharmacypharmacy to buy toto the buybuy medications, thethe medications,medications, I was II faced withwaswas facedsuchfaced situations withwith suchsuch when situationssituations they when whenwouldn’t theythey serve wouldn’twouldn’t me.” serveFG_MS_Centru_7serve me.”me.” FG_MS_Centru_7FG_MS_Centru_7

FigureFigure 47.47. TheThe shareshare ofof womenwomen whowho holdhold FigureFigure 48.48. TheThe shareshare ofof womenwomen whowho dodo notnot havehave Figure 47. The share of women who hold health Figure 48. The share of women who do not have healthhealth insurance,insurance, %% healthhealth insuranceinsurance butbut whowho havehave thethe possibilitypossibility toto insurance, % health insurance but who have the possibility to purchasepurchase it,it, %% purchase it, %

8,78,7

49,949,9 37,437,4 40,140,1

53,953,9

1010

YesYes NotNot II can'tcan't answeranswer YesYes NotNot II can'tcan't answeranswer

The population in the border area encountered various problems concerning access to health services, due to geographical location. Respondents who currently live in the security zone, who worked on the left bank of the Nistru River were offered the retirement on the left bank, thus, limiting women on the7676 right bank of the Nistru River in terms of social and medical services. This situation caused a good part of the population to get their medical insurance policies on the right bank of the Nistru River. In the absence of financial resources many of the respondents do not have the possibility to purchase the medical insurance policy, determining a very low level of visits to the doctor. Most of the participants in a discussion group stated that they addressed a doctor in the last instance, “when you can’t take it anymore, when the disease goes up to the neck/critical condition”. “I went to the family doctor in the village and asked him to give me a voucher to a sanatorium as this is the case for builders once a year, but the doctor told me that I was a pensioner from Transnistria and refused to give me a voucher to the sanatorium. But what we are to be blamed for if I had worked in a Transnistrian bookshop, which was in Dubasari district and when I went to retirement I was assigned to Transnistria.” - FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă

64 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study The need to access medical services is felt more by the elderly population on both banks of the Nistru River. Financial problems directly affect the health condition of the female population, resulting in an increase of chronic diseases. Most of the participants in group discussions stated that they cannot afford buying the medicines prescribed by doctors, their cost exceeding twice their monthly income. To cope with these situations many of the respondents, who live in the security zone or on the left bank of the Nistru River, prefer to buy medications in the pharmacies located on the left bank, which offers a range of cheap pharmaceutical products. But here, some respondents are experiencing problems and are humiliated. Ignorance of the Romanian language by the population on the left bank of the Nistru is the main barrier in the purchase of medicines on the left bank on the Nistru River, the respondents being urged to buy medicines in pharmacies where Romanian is known.

“In Transnistria, medicines are cheaper, they are Russian, but they are also from Ukraine, and we buy them .... But if you come with a prescription written in Romanian, then the ladies at the pharmacy do not give us the medicines and tell us to go where we got them and buy them ... but what we are to be blamed if the prescription is in Romanian”- MD_Zonă_limitrofă 5.2. Practice of addressing to the doctor

Every second respondent evaluates her own health condition as satisfactory, with little health problems and 16.3% of the women surveyed reported that they are facing serious health problems. How- ever, the level of addressability to the doctor is very low. 50.9% of rural women only go to a doctor in critical cases when the health problem can no longer be treated. The share of the female population suffering from chronic diseases is much higher than the proportion of the male population. Also alarming is the fact that 5.4% of women do not go to a doctor at all to deal with a health problem.

According to the NBS, in 2016 about 40 percent of women said that they suffered from at least one chronicAccordingAccording disease to tothe thecompared NBS, NBS, in in2016 to2016 30about percentabout 40 40percent of percent men. of Statistical ofwomen women said data said that confirmsthat they they suffered thatsuffered the from fromprevalence at atleast least one rate one of chronicchronicchronic diseasesdisease disease compared in compared women to is to 30higher 30percent percent than of in ofmen. men men. Statistical (394.4 Statistical cases data data to confirms 311.3 confirms cases that that per the the 1000 prevalence prevalence inhabitants) rate rate of26 .of chronicchronic diseases diseases in womenin women is higher is higher than than in menin men (394.4 (394.4 cases cases to to311.3 311.3 cases cases per per 1000 1000 inhabitants) inhabitants)26. 26.

FigureFigureFigure 49. 49. 49. Respondents' Respondents’ Respondents' perceptions perceptions perceptions of of oftheir their their own own own Figure Figure 50. 50. FrequencyFigure Frequency 50. of Frequency offamily family doctor doctorof family health,health, % % health, % consultation,%consultation,% doctor consultation,%

0,60,6 1,2 4,34,3 1,2 1,4 1,4 16,316,3

45,445,4 33,533,5 3,2 3,2 8,2 8,2

I am going every time I have a problem of health VeryVery good good I am going every time I have a problem of health GoodGood I amI amgoing going only only in critical in critical cases cases Satisfied, with little health problems Satisfied, with little health problems I amI amnot not addressing addressing SeriousSerious health health problems problems NK/NANK/NA DK/NADK/NA

26 The population’s access to health services, Report to 2017. http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/acces_servicii_sanatate/Acces_servicii_sanatate_2016.pdf TheThe level level of ofaccess access to tomedical medical services services is higheris higher for for the the population population from from the the right right bank. bank. Thus, Thus, the the share share Theof Perspectiveofwomen women whoof Women who addressed addressedin Rural Areas to ontothe both the doctor Banks doctor of regularly the regularly Nistru River in case in/ Sociological case of ofhealth healthstudy problems problems (45.7%) (45.7%) is higheris higher compared65 compared to towomen women of theof the left left bank bank of Nistruof Nistru river river and and the the security security zone zone (See (See Figure Figure 51). 51).

FigureFigure 51. 51. The The share share of womenof women who who addressed addressed to tothe the doctor, doctor, by byregions, regions, % %

26 The26 The population's population's access access to healthto health services, services, Report Report to 2017.to 2017. http://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/acces_servicii_sanatate/Acces_sehttp://www.statistica.md/public/files/publicatii_electronice/acces_servicii_sanatate/Acces_servicii_sanatate_201rvicii_sanatate_201 6.pdf6.pdf

78 78

The level of access to medical services is higher for the population from the right bank. Thus, the share of women who addressed to the doctor regularly in case of health problems (45.7%) is higher compared to women of the left bank of Nistru River and the security zone (See Figure 51).

Figure 51. The share of women who addressed to the doctor, by regions, %

I am going every time I I am going every time I The left bank of the Nistru river 22,8 70,3 60,9 I amhave going a everyproblem time of I TheThe left left bank bank of theof the Nistru Nistru river river 22,822,8 70,370,3 60,9 60,9 have a problem of havehealth a problem of healthhealthI am going only in I amI am going going only only in in critical cases Border area 38 53,3 7,80,9 critical cases BorderBorder area area 38 38 53,353,3 7,80,97,8 0,9 critical cases I am not addressing I amI am not not addressing addressing The right bank of the Nistru river 45,7 48,4 4,71,3 TheThe right right bank bank of theof the Nistru Nistru river river 45,745,7 48,448,4 4,71,34,7 1,3 DK/NA DK/NADK/NA 0% 50% 100% 0%0% 50%50% 100%100%

Even if they feel the need to consult a specialist doctor, however, 63.3% of the women interviewed EvenEvenEven if they if they feel feel the the need need toto to consultconsult consult aa specialist aspecialist specialist doctor, doctor, doctor, however, however, however, 63.3% 63.3% 63.3% of of of the the the women women women interviewed interviewed mentioned that during last year they had to abandon this idea to see a doctor. The regional distribution mentionedmentionedmentioned that that that during during during last last last year year year they they they had had had to to toaband abandon abandonon this thisthis idea ideaidea to totosee seesee a doctor.aa doctor.doctor. The TheThe regional regionalregional distribution distribution of the respondents certifies that women from the left bank of the Nistru river (67.6%) have experienced ofof ofthe the respondentsrespondents respondents certifies certifies certifies that thatthat women women women from from from the the leftthe left bank left bank ofbank ofthe the ofNistru theNistru riverNistru river (67.6%) River(67.6%) (67.6%)have have experienced experiencedhave experi - to a greater extent such this kind of situation, compared with women on the right bank (59.1%). (See encedto toa greatera togreater a greater extent extent extentsuch such this such this kind kindthis of kind ofsituation, situation, of situation, compar compar comparededed with with women withwomen womenon on the the right on right the bank bankright (59.1%) (59.1%)bank. (59.1%).(See. (See (SeeFigure).Figure).Figure). Figure).

FigureFigureFigure 52. 52.52. The The share shareshare of of ofwomen women women from fromfrom ruralrural ruralrural areas Figure Figure Figure Figure53. 53.53. The The53.The distribution The distributiondistribution distribution of ofwomenof of womenwomen women in in rural inin rural ruralrural areas areas areas areasareaswhoareas who had who had to had abandon to toabandon abandon the ideathe the idea to ideaidea see to atotosee doctor, seesee a aawho %whowho had whohadhad to hadtotoabandon abandon abandonto abandon the thethe idea the ideaidea ideato toseeto to see see a doctor,aa doctor, doctor,doctor, by by by by doctor,doctor,doctor, % % regions,regions,regions, % % % regions, %

4,84,8 TheTheThe left left leftbank bank bank of theof of the theNistru Nistru Nistru 67,667,667,6 28,428,428,4 4 4 4 riverriverriver

31,931,9 BorderBorderBorder area area area 61,561,561,5 35,135,135,1 3,4 3,4 3,4 63,363,363,3 TheTheThe right right right bank bank bank of theof of the theNistru Nistru Nistru 59,159,159,1 35,435,435,4 5,5 5,5 5,5 riverriverriver

0%0%0% 50%50%50% 100%100%100% YesYes NotNot DK/NADK/NADK/NA YesYesYesNotNotNotDK/NADK/NADK/NA

The main reasons which influence the level of addressability to the doctor are: the use of over-the- counterTheTheThe main main medicines reasons reasons which purchased which influence influence earlier the thefor the level another level level of of ofaddressability health addressability addressability problem to to theto (36.2%), the the doctor doctor doctor lack are: are: of are: the financial the the use use use of of resources over of over over-the-the--the for- - medicalcountercountercounter medicinesservices medicines (19%), purchased purchased belief earlier in earlierearlier the for use forfor another ofanotheranother naturalistic health healthhealth problem drugs problemproblem (9.9%),(36.2%), (36.2%), (36.2%), poor lack lack lack ofquality offinancial of financial financial of medical resources resources resources services for for for (9.8%)medicalmedicalmedical and services servicesdistrust (19%), (19%),in specialist belief belief in doctors in inthe the the use use use (7.9%). of of ofnatural natural natural isticisticistic drugs drugs drugs (9.9%), (9.9%), (9.9%), poor poor poor quality quality quality of of medicalof medical medical services services services (9.8%) and distrust in specialist doctors (7.9%). (9.8%)(9.8%)“I’m and and going distrust distrust to inthe specialistin doctor specialist whendoctors doctors I cannot (7.9%). (7.9%). take it anymore, when I am tired struggling with the disease. ... you think a long time before going to a hospital, anyway, and when you come to a doctor and they “I'm“I'm going going to tothe the doctor doctor when whenwhen I cannot II cannotcannot take taketake it anymore,itit anymore,anymore, when whenwhen I am I Iam amtired tired tired struggling struggling struggling with with with the the the disease.disease...... you you think think a longa longlong time timetime before beforebefore going goinggoing to toato hospital, aa hospital,hospital, anyway, anyway, anyway, and and and when when when you you youcome come come to toa to a a

66 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study

7979 79

give you an expensive medical treatment you feel desperate... I did not see a doctor earlier, because I didn’t have the money.” FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă

Table 21. The reasons which led the respondents not to address to the doctor

Total The right bank The left bank The border (N=784) (N=309) (N=348) area (N=127)

I thought that I would feel better if I used the medication I already had 36.2 29.9 41.8 28.9 at home I considered that I would feel bet- 9.9 12.7 7.3 12.4 ter using natural plants I don’t have medical insurance 1.9 3.5 0.5 3.9 Family Doctors Centre is far away 2.6 5.5 7.9 8.5

I don’t trust doctors 7.9 8.0 13.8 10.6 Medical services are of poor quality 9.8 5.2 16.9 9.3 I don’t have money to pay for med- 19.0 21.5 1.3 14.4 ical services

Another reason 2.0 2.8 10.5 4.1

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 67 VI. FAMILY RELATIONS IN RURAL AREAS ON BOTH SIDES ON THE NISTRU RIVER

6.1. The distribution of roles in the family

Although in recent decades the Republic of Moldova has implemented certain legal and regulatory frameworks to strengthen gender equality, the population of the country shares, in large part, conservative belief about the role of women and men in society.

Qualitative research has highlighted the fact that the dynamics of gender roles in families and communities is different, on a case-by-case basis, but in general, progress goes beyond women’s expectations and wishes.

“Housework is a serious reason for village women not to get involved so much, but if there is family understanding and it is clear that the woman has potential, I think it is already up to the husband in terms of encouraging his woman, because this factor is very important. Respectively, the same pro- phylactic measures undertaken with women should be replicated with men. And of course, with children, adolescents - because they are future citizens and depending how open-minded will they be - such will be the participation of women. “I_MD_expert_5

Communities continue to manifest themselves as largely patriarchal, although some developments have occurred in recent years (increased numbers of women serving as mayors, ministers in Govern- ment, etc.). However, gender relations are still traditional, especially within the family, but also in society as a whole (reluctance for women in decision-making positions, distribution of “professions” and “fields” by gender criterion, etc.), which implies the perpetuation of traditional gender roles.

“Women who are in decision making positions can be a good model, but some are not at all, they event comment sometimes such things as, for instance “I’m a mayor, but I’m not a feminist”, these situations are very common, even at public events. Or the feminization of posts - apparently a small, but important problem. Many women mayors , like to be called the mayor and not the woman mayor.”27 I_MD_3Thus, women, in most cases, are responsible for the kitchen, cleaning the house, washing clothes and dishes, as well as the education and care of children and the elderly in the family. Unlike women, men are considered responsible for far fewer issues (home repairs, housework that involves greater physical effort, agricultural work involving the use of agricultural machinery, etc.).

“I have so much work, I have forgotten what is the colour of the Nistru River... I don’t have time to go to the River. I simply don’t have time”. FG_MD_Zonă_Limitrofă

“The kids usually have tasks around house, the girl helping me with my job inside the house, while the boy does the work on the outside. My husband is at work abroad, and we’re doing what we can. If I had some free time, I would read or at least watch something on TV, but I don’t have time to lose. I have the impression that if it were a 30-hour day I still would not manage everything. A household must be kept permanently and when you have children, you’re not thinking about yourself, but about them, how to bring them up healthy and endowed.” FG_MD_Femei_Roma

“Our family is big, I also take care of my husband’s parents, but they are old and cannot work in the household. I do most of the things, because my husband has day work and is not home most of the

27 Here we have a word game, in Romanian there is a gender difference between the mayor, male and the mayor, female; in English there is no clear-cut difference.

68 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study thinking about yourself, but about them, how to bring them up healthy and endowed.” FG_MD_Femei_Roma

“Our family is big, I also take care of my husband's parents, but they are old and cannot work in the household. I do most of the things, because my husband has day work and is not home most of the time. If he's home, he takes care of animals, heavier work. I wake up early in the morning to see off everyone to school and kindergarten, then I work and prepare meals for them to be ready when they come home. In the evening I do homework with children and work around the house. If my husband isn't home during the day, I do the harder things, you see, the work is not waiting. (...) I do not have time for me, there's always an emergency, even on Sundays, although time.we If he’susual home,ly don't he takes work, care we of go animals, to my parents,heavier work. to help I wake them. up early In the in eveningthe morning my tohusband see off is tired, he everyone to school and kindergarten, then I work and prepare meals for them to be ready when they watches TV or goes to the neighbours for a glass of wine. I get to see my neighbour girl-friends come home. In the evening I do homework with children and work around the house. If my husband isn’t onlyhome on during Sunday. the day,It's veryI do thedifficult harder to things, live in you the see, village.” the work FG_MD_UTAG is not waiting. (...) I do not have time for me, there’s always an emergency, even on Sundays, although we usually don’t work, we go to Althoughmy parents, the opinionsto help them. shared In the byevening the my women husband in is the tired, discussion he watches groups TV or goes focuse to thed neighbours on more traditional attitudesfor a glass in the of wine.distribution I get to see of mygender neighbour roles, girl-friends respondents only onto Sunday.the survey It’s very said difficult in the proportionto live in the of 73.5% that village.”"both parentsFG_MD_UTAG equally" in the family must be raising children. However, 24% of the respondents Althoughindicated the that opinions “it is moreshared of by a the mother’s women task in the”, whilediscussion only groups1.3% chose focused the on answer more traditional “more of a father’s attitudestask”. The in the comparative distribution analysisof gender of roles, the respondents three subsamples to the survey did not said cause in the substantialproportion of differences 73.5% in this thatrespect. “both parents equally” in the family must be raising children. However, 24% of the respondents indicated that “it is more of a mother’s task”, while only 1.3% chose the answer “more of a father’s task”. TheIn termscomparative of other analysis socio of-demographic the three subsamples variables did women not cause over substantial the age differencesof 60 years, in those this respect. with incomplete

Ineducation, terms of other without socio-demographic work and with variables low and women average over income the age share of 60 moreyears, thoseconservative with incomplete visions on the role education,of the mother without and work father and inwith raising low and children. average income share more conservative visions on the role of the mother and father in raising children. At the same time being asked what their opinions and perceptions were about the gender roles in family Atand the society, same time the beingopinions asked of respondentswhat their opinions in the andgeneral perceptions sample werewere aboutquite similar.the gender roles in family and society, the opinions of respondents in the general sample were quite similar.

Figure 54. FigureViews 54.of womenViews of womenin the general in the general sample sample with with regard regard to togender gender roles, roles, %%

The woman must aspire to higher education even if her role is to take care of the household and the children 83,9 9,7

Men and women have equal rights in the community 81,9 14,2

The main role of women is to raise and educate children, and the role of the man is to ensure the well-being of the family 81,1 11,8

Women and men must also be involved in leadership positions and in politics, even if women are considered to be afraid of large 77,9 15,9 responsibilities

Women and men have to have a similar salary, even if women's salary differences are likely to cause family conflicts 77,7 12,8

Agreement Disagreement

The analysis of the respondents’ answers on subsamples highlighted the fact that there are no statisti- 82 cally significant differences between the views of women in the three samples with regard to the topics addressed.

Women’s perceptions on women’s role within the family, in terms of leadership and decision-making are more emancipated. When asked to answer the question “Who should lead in the family, the woman or the man?”, most of the women (47.7%) opted for the answer “gender doesn’t matter”. At the same time, the percentage of participants in the survey, which believe that in a family “it is preferable for men to lead” (26.6%) and those who consider that in the family “it is preferable for women to lead” (24.8%) are approximately the same.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 69 The analysis of the respondents’ answers on subsamples highlighted the fact that there are no statistically significant differences between the views of women in the three samples with regard to the topics addressed.

Women's perceptions on women's role within the family, in terms of leadership and decision-making are more emancipated. When asked to answer the question “Who should lead in the family, the woman or the man?”, most of the women (47.7%) opted for the answer “gender doesn't matter”. At the same time, the percentage of participants in the survey, which believe that in a family “it is preferable for men to lead” (26.6%) and those who consider that in the family “it is preferable for women to lead” (24.8%) are approximately the same. The comparative analysis of the quantitative data reveals that women in the localities of the border The comparative analysis of the quantitative data reveals that women in the localities of the border area area and those on the right bank of the Nistru River to a greater extent than those on the left bank of theand Nistru those consider on the rightthat “genderbank of doesthe Nistrunot matter” river towhen a greater it comes extent to the than subject those ofon leadership the left bank in the of thefam - ily.Nistru However, consider women that on"gender the left does bank not of matter" the Nistru when consider it comes to to considerable the subject of extent leadership that inin the familyfamily. it is However,preferable women for the on women the left to bank lead. of the Nistru consider to considerable extent that in the family it is preferable for the women to lead. Figure 55. Women’s opinion on the leading role in the family, by sub-sample,% Figure 55. Women's opinion on the leading role in the family, by sub-sample,%

The left bank of the Nistru river 25,8 36,2 37 1

Border area 24,2 13,6 61,2 1

The right bank of the Nistru river 27,6 13,4 58,3 0,7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

It is preferable the men to conduct It is preferable the women to conduct Gender doesn't matter DK/NA

The right bank of the Nistru river The right bank of the Nistru River The analysis of the respondents’ answers from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru river, on the The analysis of the respondents’ answers from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River, on basis of other socio-demographic variables, shows that of the total percentage of women in the the basis of other socio-demographic variables, shows that of the total percentage of women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru river, women aged 30-44 years represent the smallest share localities on the right bank of the Nistru River, women aged 30-44 years represent the smallest share (9.3%) of those who consider that “in the family it is preferable for women to lead”, and this sub-group is (9.3%) of those who consider that “in the family it is preferable for women to lead”, and this sub-group even more numerical for the "gender does not matter" response. Women with higher education in a is even more numerical for the “gender does not matter” response. Women with higher education in a greater proportion than other sub-groups believe that “gender does not matter”, and women who are greater proportion than other sub-groups believe that “gender does not matter”, and women who are not working or temporarily not working is the sub-group the most numerous for the response option “it not working or temporarily not working is the sub-group the most numerous for the response option “itis is preferablepreferable forfor menmen toto lead.” AtAt the the samesame time, time, married married women oror thosethose withwith partnerspartners in in a a higher higher proportionproportion than than those those divorced divorced or widowed ones ones have have chosen chosen the the option option “gender “gender does does not not matter matter”. For”. For thethe same same response response opt opt mostly mostly women women withwith highhigh incomeincome (60%). Divorced womenwomen consider consider in in a ahigher higher proportion than the married, widowed or those who have never been married, that “it is preferable for the women to lead”. 83 • Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for men to lead”: the 18-29 and 30-44

years old, with incomplete secondary education, not working or temporarily not working, are married. • Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for women to lead”: 60+year old, with general school or vocational education, high-school/college education, employed/entrepreneurs, are divorced. • Women who have opted for the answer “gender doesn’t matter”: 30-44 years old, with higher education, employed/entrepreneurs, are married. The left bank of the Nistru River

Analysis of the responses to the same question by women from localities on the left bank of the Nistru River, on the basis of socio-demographic indicators, have highlighted the fact that women of 45-59 years old believe in a higher proportion than other sub-groups of age that “in the family it is preferable

70 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study for women to lead”, compared with the sub-group of women of 60+ (17.8 per cent) from the localities on the right bank, which constitutes the largest sub-group in that sub-sample. The answer “gender doesn’t matter” is the option most frequently found in the age category of 18-29 years old (39.8%), but it is still a small percentage, compared with the same category of age in the subsample of women in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River (58.7%).

Women with high school/college education in a larger percentage (43.9%) than other sub-groups of women with various levels of education believe that “it is preferable for women to lead”, in return those with incomplete secondary education, in a greater extent (44.8%) believe that “gender does not matter” in this sense. However, this sub-group is more numeric (35.4%) also for option “it is preferable for men to lead.” Women who do not work (27%), those with high income (31.8%) and the widows (30.9%) believe in a higher proportion that “in the family it is preferable for men to lead.”

• Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for men to lead”: the 60+ years old, with incomplete secondary education, not working or temporarily not working, are widows.

• Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for women to lead”: 45-59 years old, high school/college studies and higher education, temporarily not working, are divorced.

• Women who have opted for the answer “gender doesn’t matter”: 45-59 years old, with incomplete secondary education, employed/entrepreneurs, divorced, widowed or have never been married.

The border area

From the sub-sample of women in the border area, the age group of 60+ is of the opinion that “in a family it is preferable for men to lead” (32%), while the option “it is preferable for women to lead” was mostly chosen by women in the age category of 45-59 years old (20%). The option “gender does not matter” was mainly chosen by the women in the age category 30-44 years (76.3%). Women with incomplete secondary education often opt for the answer “it is preferable for men to lead” and those with higher education are choosing more often the answer “gender does not matter” (70.7%). The same response is preferred by women who are temporarily not working (73.8%), who in a smaller number are opting for the answer “it is preferable for women to lead” (9.3%). Women who do not work or those that don’t work temporarily, in a higher proportion are opting for the answer “it is preferable for men to lead”, the same response being more often, also among women with low income (27.6%) and those that have never been married (34.8%).

• Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for men to lead”: the 60+ years old, with incomplete secondary education, not working, are widowed or have never been married;

• Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for women to lead”: 45-59 years old, high school/college education, employed/entrepreneurs, are divorced.

• Women who have opted for the answer “gender does not matter”: 30-44 years old, high school/college education, temporarily not working, married or widowed.

The quantitative research has highlighted the fact that the majority of women in the general sample (81.1%) agree (totally or partially) that the primary role of women is to raise and educate children and the role of the man is to ensure the welfare of the family. However, although they share this stereotyped vision of the reproductive and productive roles of women and men, most respondents (81.9%) consider that men and women have equal rights in the community, while another 77.9% think that women and men have to involve themselves equally in leadership positions and in politics, even if women are considered to be afraid of big responsibilities.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 71 incomplete secondary education often opt for the answer “it is preferable for men to lead” and those with higher education are choosing more often the answer “gender does not matter” (70.7%). The same response is preferred by women who are temporarily not working (73.8%), who in a smaller number are opting for the answer “it is preferable for women to lead” (9.3%). Women who do not work or those that don't work temporarily, in a higher proportion are opting for the answer “it is preferable for men to lead”, the same response being more often, also among women with low income (27.6%) and those that have never been married (34.8%).

• Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for men to lead”: the 60+ years old, with incomplete secondary education, not working, are widowed or have never been married; • Women who choose the option “in the family it is preferable for women to lead”: 45-59 years old, high school/college education, employed/entrepreneurs, are divorced. • Women who have opted for the answer “gender does not matter”: 30-44 years old, high school/college education, temporarily not working, married or widowed.

The quantitative research has highlighted the fact that the majority of women in the general sample (81.1%) agree (totally or partially) that the primary role of women is to raise and educate children and the role of the man is to ensure the welfare of the family. However, although they share this stereotyped vision of the reproductive and productive roles of women and men, most respondents (81.9%) consider that men and women have equal rights in the community, while another 77.9% think that women and men have to involve themselves equally in leadership positions and in politics, even if women are considered to be afraid of big responsibilities.

A significantA significant number number of of respondents respondents (83.9%)(83.9%) totally oror partiallypartially agreeagree that that women women are are aspiring aspiring to tohigher high - er education,education, eveneven ifif theirtheir rolerole isis toto take take care care of of the the household household and children. AtAt thethe samesame time, time, 77.7% 77.7% of of the thegeneral general sample sample of ofwomen women in in rural rural areas areas believe believe that that women’s women's and and men’smen's salariessalaries should bebe similar, similar, despitedespite the the fact fact that that salary salary differences differences in in favour favour ofof women are likelylikely to causecause conflictsconflicts within within the the family. family. A relativelyA relatively large large group group of ofwomen women voiced voiced their their partial partial or or total total disagreement disagreement (18.7%) with respectrespect to to the the statementstatement that that women women and and men men are are equally equally involved involved in leadingleading positions. positions.

Figure 56.Figure Views 56. on Views the role on theof women role of womenand men and in the men family, in the on family, the subsamples, on the subsamples, % %

The left bank of the Nistru river 45,6 37 9,9 6,5 1

Border area 51 26,1 15,6 3,73,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 47,9 31,7 13,6 4,62,3

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Agree totally Agree partially Disagree partially Disagree totally NA

The comparative analysis of the answers of the respondents highlights the fact that there are no The statisticallycomparative significant analysis differe of thences answers between of the the respondents views of the womenhighlights from the the fact settlements that there of are the no three sta85 - tistically subsamples. significant However, differences women of between 18-29 years the oldviews on theof the right women and left from bank the of thesettlements Nistru river of arethe to three a subsamples.greater extent However, against women this statement of 18-29 than years other old ageon thecategories. right and left bank of the Nistru River are to a greater extent against this statement than other age categories. At the same time, women with incomplete secondary education in the localities on the right bank and At the same time, women with incomplete secondary education in the localities on the right bank from the border area support to a greater extent this statement. The statement on the role of the and from the border area support to a greater extent this statement. The statement on the role of the woman and the man in the family is largely supported by women who are not working, temporarily not woman and the man in the family is largely supported by women who are not working, temporarily not working, in all three subsamples. working, in all three subsamples. Women with high income in all three subsamples express in a higher proportion total or partial Women with high income in all three subsamples express in a higher proportion total or partial dis- disagreement with this statement. agreement with this statement.

The Thesub-group sub-group of divorcedof divorced women women on on the the right right bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru River river supportssupports thisthis statementstatement to to a a largerlarger extent extent (93.2%), (93.2%), compared compared with with the theresponses responses of women of women on the on theleft leftbank bank (80.1%) (80.1%) and and in the in bor the - der areaborder (75.7%). area (75.7%).

FigureFigure 57. 57. Views Views on on the the aspirations aspirations of educationeducation versusversus householdhousehold responsibilities responsibilities of of women, women, by subsamples, % by subsamples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 58,1 25,7 7,3 5,7 3,2

Border area 69,1 19,4 0 8,4 3,1

The right bank of the Nistru river 64,0 19,7 12,2 1,22,9

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Agree totally Agree partially Disagree partially Disagree totally NA

Significant differences in the responses of women in the three subsamples are not found. The analysis 72 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study on the basis of socio-demographic variables highlights the fact that young women (18-29 years) and those with high school/college studies and with higher education, from the localities on the left and right bank of the Nistru river and in the border area express the agreement to a greater extent than other age categories of sub-samples that they represent.

Women who temporarily do not work and those who have never been married from localities on the right bank of the Nistru river are less likely to completely or partially disagree with this statement than other subcategories of women. In the localities on the left bank of the Nistru river women with higher education are less against this statement, as well as women between the ages of 18-29 from the border area.

On the right bank of the Nistru river women who have never been married represent the sub-group with the highest percentage (94.6%) of the total and partial agreement, while on the left bank it is

Significant differences in the responses of women in the three subsamples are not found. The analysis on the basis of socio-demographic variables highlights the fact that young women (18-29 years) and those with high school/college studies and with higher education, from the localities on the left and right bank of the Nistru River and in the border area express the agreement to a greater extent than other age categories of sub-samples that they represent.

Women who temporarily do not work and those who have never been married from localities on the right bank of the Nistru River are less likely to completely or partially disagree with this statement than other subcategories of women. In the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River women with higher education are less against this statement, as well as women between the ages of 18-29 from the border area.

On the right bank of the Nistru River women who have never been married represent the sub-group with the highest percentage (94.6%) of the total and partial agreement, while on the left bank it is represented by women with higher education (96.8%), and in the border area – by those with high income represented by women with higher education (96.8%), and in the border area – by those with high (94.5%). income (94.5%). Figure 58. Views on similar wages between women and men, by sub-samples, % Figure 58. Views on similar wages between women and men, by sub-samples, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 61,7 23,3 6,5 6,12,4

Border area 43,4 32,5 18 1,64,5

The right bank of the Nistru river 41 29,5 19,1 6,7 3,7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Agree totally Agree partially Disagree partially Disagree totally NA

A statistically significant difference is the fact that women in the localities on the left bank of the Nistru A statistically significant difference is the fact that women in the localities on the left bank of the river express to a greater extent than the women from the other two sub-samples, their total Nistru River express to a greater extent than the women from the other two sub-samples, their total agreement with this statement. Moreover, 85% of the women in this sub-sample express their total or agreement with this statement. Moreover, 85% of the women in this sub-sample express their total partial agreement on this subject, while women in the right-bank sub-sample share the same opinion at or partial agreement on this subject, while women in the right-bank sub-sample share the same 70.5%, while those in the border localities in a proportion of 75.9%. At the same time, the total or partial opinion at 70.5%, while those in the border localities in a proportion of 75.9%. At the same time, the totaldisagreement or partial o fdisagreement the women on of the the left women bank of on the the Nistru left bank river ofis lessthe significantNistru River (12.6%) is less compared significant to (12.6%)the opinionscompared expressed to the opinionsby the women expressed on the byright the bank women (25.8%) on and the the right border bank area (25.8%) villages and (19.7%). the bor - der areaThe analysisvillages of (19.7%). the data available on the basis of socio-demographic variables highlights the fact that The womenanalysis agedof the 45 data-59 onavailable the right on bank’sthe basis villages of socio-demographic are to a greater extent variables (30.5%) highlights disagreeing the fact with that this womenstatement aged 45-59than other on the age right categories, bank’s both villages from are the to sub a -greatersample theyextent represent (30.5%) and disagreeing from two otherwith thissub- statementsamples, than namely, other hi agegher categories,-educated, high both-income from theand sub-sampledivorced women they fromrepresent localities and on from both two banks oth of- er sub-samples,the Nistru river namely, have a higher-educated, higher proportion ofhigh-income agreement withand thisdivorced statement. women In the from sub localities-sample of on women both banksin ofthe the border Nistru area, River average have a- andhigher high proportion-income women, of agreement as well withas those this whostatement. have never In the been sub-sample married, of womenare more in thein agreement border area, with average-and this statement. high-income women, as well as those who have never been married, are more in agreement with this statement. 6.2. Violence against women Violence against women, including domestic violence, is one of the most serious forms of violation of The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study gender based human rights in Europe, but due to cultural norms in Moldova, this is held still73 in silence. Although it is a phenomenon with many consequences on the persons affected and on the family and society in general, stereotypes and prejudices seem to be more powerful than legal rules. Women in Moldova most often do not want to talk about the problems in their family with other people, because many people believe that domestic violence is a private matter. However, violence against women and/or children is also a public matter. This issue affects families, children and society as a whole. In

6.2. Violence against women Violence against women, including domestic violence, is one of the most serious forms of violation of gender based human rights in Europe, but due to cultural norms in Moldova, this is held still in silence. Although it is a phenomenon with many consequences on the persons affected and on the family and society in general, stereotypes and prejudices seem to be more powerful than legal rules. Women in Moldova most often do not want to talk about the problems in their family with other people, because many people believe that domestic violence is a private matter. However, violence against women and/or children is also a public matter. This issue affects families, children and society as a whole. In Moldova there are often cases when adults do not understand the real aspects of violence and the extent of the phenomenon, the impact on women and/or children. “Yes, domestic violence occurs in every second home (the group laughs), but where would they go and what do the police do? The police initiate a criminal case and require him to pay a sum of money and then he comes home to take these 300 MDL, and, after he returns home, what are you left with? And who wins? The state. But families? You know had this been a situation when this money would not be taken from the child’s mouth, but you know how it works in our case ... The fine is paid from the family budget.” FG_MD_Zonă_limitrofă Often people, who initiate a relationship and later get married, do not understand that healthy relationships are not abusive, that family members should respect each other and treat themselves with respect. It often happens that the abuser is justified because he or she is subjected to major stress or is addicted to alcohol, etc. Many times victims of domestic violence phenomenon come to believe not only that beating is natural, but also that they themselves are guilty of these abuses. The myth per- sists that domestic violence is an accidental behaviour, caused by certain “objective” factors (alcohol, poverty, adultery, etc.), although the NGOs operating in the field promote a discourse to empower the women and clarify the phenomenon in all its aspects (intentional behaviour aimed at establishing and exerting power and control over the abused person). “Yes, there are very big issues with domestic violence, including situations of domestic violence after the wife became more publicly/civically and/or politically active. But the people do not talk about it, they all prefer to hide the issue because they are ashamed, because the people are accusing women in most cases and many women, when they hear other people’s comments, of course they prefer to keep it quiet. “FG_MD_UTAG Another problem is that Moldovan women do not perceive different forms of violence, because the physical form of violence is more understandable to them. Thus, certain myths are also related to forms of violence, often being ignored the economic, psychological, spiritual, sexual forms, etc. In the quantitative research the respondents from the three subsamples were requested to assess to what extent a number of issues (ex. poverty, limited seats in pre-school education establishments, lack of employment opportunities on the labour market etc.) affect their lives. Thus, the problems that most affect the lives of women in the general sample are the following (in the descending order): • Poor quality of health services (57.6%) • Poverty (54.8%) • Limited opportunities of employment (53.6%)

Only 13.7% of women reported that domestic violence affects their lives, while 68.3% opted for the “Not at all” response. On the contrary, during group discussions and in-depth interviews, the issue of domestic violence was mentioned more often than, for example, the Transnistrian conflict or reduced access to social services, leisure and social activities.

74 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Figure 59. Issues that affect the lives of women in rural areas, the general sample, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 0,83 13,8 81,1 1,3

Border area 12,1 10,8 13,7 60,3 3,2

The right bank of the Nistru river 12,4 11,3 17,3 55,7 3,3

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

To a very large extent To a large extent To a small extent Not at all DK/NA

Only 13.7% of women reported that domestic violence affects their lives, while 68.3% opted for the "Not Theat comparative all" response. analysis On theof the contrary, answers, duringby sub-sample, group discussions highlighted and the fact in-depth that women interviews, in the the locali issue- of tiesdomestic on the left violence bank of was the Nistrumentioned River inmore a much often larger than, proportion for example, (81.1%) the claimTransnistrian that violence conflict does or not reduced affect their life at all, compared to women on the right bank of the Nistru River (55.7%), who opted for access to social services, leisure and social activities. the same answer, and those in the border area (60.3%). Thus, the women in the localities on the right bankThe of comparative the Nistru River analysis and those of the in the answers, localities by of sub the-sample, border area highlighted report to the a greater fact that extent women that “ in the domesticlocalities violence on the affectsleft bank them of the personally” Nistru river (23.7% in a muchand 22.9%, larger respectively). proportion (81.1%) claim that violence does Thenot analysis affect oftheir other life socio-demographic at all, compared to variables women showson the that right women bank ofin the localitiesNistru river on the(55.7%), right bankwho opted of forthe theNistru same River, answer, who declare and those themselves in the border the least area affected (60.3%). by Thus,domestic the womenviolence inare: the women localities aged on the overright 60 bankyears, of with the incompleteNistru river secondaryand those educationin the localities who areof the not border working area or temporarilyreport to a greaternot working, extent that have" domestic low income violence or are affects widowed. them Mostly personally" affected (23.7% by the and violence 22.9%, respectively).are the women of 30-44 years, with higher education, who are working (employed or entrepreneurs), have high or average income and areThe divorced analysis or of married. other socio The -womendemographic from thevariables left bank shows of the that Nistru women River, in thewho localities claim that on theythe right are bank notof affected the Nistru by river,the phenomenon who declare ofthemselves domestic violence,the least areaffected women by over domestic 60 with violence high school/ are: womencollege aged education,over 60 years,do not with work, incomplete have high secondary income and education are widowed who areor married not working have partners.or temporarily Women not who working, reported violence affecting their lives to a large or very large extent are aged 30-44 years, are educated, have low income or are widowed. Mostly affected by the violence are the women of 30-44 years, with employed or entrepreneurs, with average-income and divorced. higher education, who are working (employed or entrepreneurs), have high or average income and are Thedivorced respondents or married. from the The localities women in fromthe border the left area bank who of claim the they Nistru are river, not affected who claim by thatdomestic they arevi- not olenceaffected are young by the women, phenomenon 18-29 years, of domestic with complete violence, general are school/vocational women over 60 training, with high not school/ working college andeducation, with low income, do not work,and have have never high been income married. and The are womenwidowed in orthese married villages have who partners. have confirmed Women who thatreported domestic violence violence affecting affects their their lives lives to are a large30-44 or years very old,large with extent higher are education,aged 30-44 employed years, are or educated, entrepreneurs, with average or r high income, married/with partners or divorced. employed or entrepreneurs, with average-income and divorced. The problem of violence against women is on the public and policy agenda of the Republic of Moldova, butThe at local respondents level the frominterventions, the localities although in the much border improved, area who have claim not yet they led are to a not significant affected change by domestic in violencethe elimination are young of thewomen, phenomenon. 18-29 years, Ensuring with complete women’s generalaccess fromschool/vocational rural areas to training,social services not working forand victims with oflow violence income, against and have women never is onebeen of married. the most The pressing women problems. in these villagesThe lack who of Centres have confirmed for Assistancethat domestic to Victims violence of Domestic affects Violence their lives and are their 30 Children-44 years and old, Centres with for higher Rehabilitation education, of emploFamilyyed or Aggressors,entrepreneurs, the geographical with average distance or r high from income, those married/with existing in the partners republic or divorced.and the reluctance of the population towards such services, maintain the problem of violence in rural areas. Such Centres would provideThe problem protection of violence to victims against of domestic women violence, is on the inform public the and population policy agenda of their of the rights Republic and provide of Moldova, legal,but medicalat local leveland psychological the interventions, counselling. although In muchthe case improved, of family have aggressors, not yet theled usefulnessto a significant of these change in Centresthe elimination is obvious: ofthey the would phenomenon. be re-socialized Ensuring by participatingwomen’s access in special from counselling rural areas programs to social servicesto re- for duce,victims deter of and violence eliminate against violent women behaviour is one and ofto themanage most conflict pressing situations problems. properly. The lack of Centres for Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence and their Children and Centres for Rehabilitation of Family

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 75 89

VII. KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES ABOUT THE UNSETTLED TRANSNISTRIAN CONFLICT VII.VII. Knowledge Knowledge and and attitudes attitudes about about the the unsettled unsettled Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict conflict

7.1.7.71. .The1 T. hTeh perceptionsep eprecrecpetpiotinosn os of fo wf womenwomomene nre rregardinggeagradridnign gth teh theeu nusn eunsettledstetltetlde dT rTarnas nTransnistriannsinstisrtiarina nco cnofnlifcl ticonflictc t TheTheThe unresolved unresolved unresolved Transnistrian Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict conflict conflict is is oneone one ofof ofthe the the social social problemsproblems problems that that affectaffect affect both both the the the life life of of of thethe the respondents,respondents,respondents, as aswell as well wellas ascommunity as community community life life life in in general ingeneral general (See(See (See Figure Figure 8).8). 8). EvenEven Even if,if, if, inin in comparisocomparison comparison nwith withwith the the other other economiceconomiceconomic problemsproblems problems (poverty, (poverty, badbad bad conditions conditions conditions of of living, living, limited limitedlimited possibilities possibilities possibilities of of employment), of employment), employment), the the issuethe issue issue of of ofthe thethe Transnistrian TransnistrianTransnistrian conflict conflict is ismuch is much much less less lessfelt felt feltby by the bythe respondentsthe respondents respondents (only (only (only21% 21% of 21%of respondents), respondents), of respondents), however, however, however, the the thequalitativequalitative qualitative study study study allowed allowed allowed us us to ust highlighto tohighlight highlight several several several negative negative negative effects effects effects in inthe the social, in social, the familysocial, family compartment, family compartment, compartment, etc. etc. etc. AtAt the the level level of of perceptions, perceptions, the the unsettled unsettled Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict conflict influenced influenced to to a avery very large large extent/large extent/large Atextent theextent level only only of15.7% 15.7%perceptions, of of the the women womenthe unsettled who who come come Transnistrian from from rural rural areas. conflictareas. The The influenced effects effects of of the theto unsettled a unsettled very large Transnistrian Transnistrian extent/large extentconflictconflict only on on the15.7% the population population of the women in ingeneral general who is iscomefelt felt by by fromapprox. approx. rural 40% 40%areas. of of woman Thewoman effects (including (including of the the the unsettledwomen women on Transnistrianon the the right right conflictandand left left bankon bank the of of thepopulation the Nistru Nistru river). inriver). general is felt by approx. 40% of woman (including the women on the right and left bank of the Nistru River). FigureFigure 60.60. TheThe impactimpact ofof thethe unsettledunsettled FigureFigure 61. 61. The The social social impact impact of of the the unsettled unsettled FigureTransnistrianTransnistrian 60. The Conflict impact Conflict ofon onthe the the unsettled personal personal Transnistrian life life of of the the TransnistrianFigureTransnistrian 61. The Conflict socialConflict impact onon of the the populationunsettledpopulation Trans inin - respondents,Conflictrespondents, on the % % personal life of the respondents, % general,general,nistrian % Conflict % on the population in general, %

VeryVery high high 4,74,7 VeryVery high high 11,811,8

GreatGreat GreatGreat 11,111,1 31,131,1 measuremeasure measuremeasure

SmallSmall 29,129,1 SmallSmall 28,128,1 measuremeasure measuremeasure

NoNo 47,447,4 NoNo 12,512,5

DoDo not not DoDo not not 7,77,7 16,616,6 knowknow knowknow

Mostly, the population/women in the security zone/in the immediate vicinity of the security zone have suffered.Mostly,Mostly, the Everythe population/women population/women third woman in inthe inthe securitythe security security zone zone/in zone/in said thethat the immediate they immediate had sufferedvicinity vicinity of of asthe athe resultsecurity security of zonethe zone unsettledhave have Transnistriansuffered.suffered. Every Every conflict. third third woman womanThe female in inthe the securitypopulation security zone zone of said thesaid that left that they bankthey had hadof sufferedthe suffered Nistru as as aare resulta resultaware of of theof the the unsettled unsettled problem ofTransnistrian theTransnistrian Transnistrian conflict. conflict. conflict, The The female female at least. population population Only 15.2%of of the the leftof leftrespondents bank bank of of the the Nistrustated Nistru are that are aware awarethis ofconflict of the the problem problem has directly of of affectedthethe Transnistrian Transnistrian their personal conflict, conflict, lives. at at least. least. Only Only 15.2% 15.2% of of respondents respondents stated stated t hat that this this conflict conflict has has directly directly Theaffectedaffected Transnistrian their their personal personal conflict lives. lives. has affected the access of a category of the population to medical services fromTheThe theTransnistrian Transnistrian right bank conflict ofconflict the Nistruhas has affected affected River. Athe goodthe access access part of ofof a theacategory category population of of the the that population population lives in theto to medical security medical services zone,services re - tiredfromfrom on the thethe right leftright bank bank of of the the NistruNistru Nistru River,river. river. inA Agoodaccordance good part part of ofwith the the populationthe population employment that that lives record.lives in inthe Eventhe se security ifcurity at the zone, zone, time of the research, they live in the communities from the right bank, they cannot benefit from medical ser- retiredretired on on the the left left bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru river, river, in inaccordance accordance with with the the employment employment record. record. Even Even if ifat at the the vices from the right bank and are forced to go to the hospital on the left bank. This situation displeases timetime of of the the research, research, they they live live in inthe the communities communities from from the the right right bank, bank, they they cannot cannot benefit benefit from from medical medical a good category of the population in the security zone. Those who have financial possibilities, get the servicesservices from from the the right right bank bank and and ar are e forced forced to to go go to to the the hospital hospital on on the the left left bank. bank. This This situation situation medical insurance policy for the benefit of the medical services on the right bank of the Nistru River: displeasesdispleases a gooda good category category of of the the population population in inthe the security security zone. zone. Those Those who who have have financial financial possibilities, possibilities, getget the“My the medical boymedical has insurance goneinsurance to apolicy doctorpolicy for forwith the the abenefit certificatebenefit of of the theof medicalresidence, medical services services but was on on toldthe the thatright right thisbank bank document of of the the Nistru Nistruis from Transnistria and that’s why they don’t have places for children from Transnistria, even if he lives on the territory of Moldova” FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă 9191

76 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study river: "My boy has gone to a doctor with a certificate of residence, but was told that this document is from Transnistria and that's why they don't have places for children from Transnistria, even if he lives on the territory of Moldova" FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă

FigureFigure 62. 62. TheThe impact ofof thethe unsettled unsettled Transnistrian Transnistrian Conflict Conflict on onthe the personal personal life lifeof womenof women in rural in ruralareas, areas, by regions, % by regions, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 3,9 11,3 36,6 44,8 3,5

Border area 6,1 17,2 23,6 49,8 3,4

The right bank of the Nistru river 5,5 11,2 21,8 49,7 11,8

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

To a very large extent To a large extent To a small extent Not at all DK/NA

The creation of the border crossing point between the right and left bank of the Nistru river created The creation of the border crossing point between the right and left bank of the Nistru River created barriers for the population in the security zone, which gets food/consumables on the left bank. barriers for the population in the security zone, which gets food/consumables on the left bank. Par- ticipantsParticipants in the in thegroup group discussions discussions said said that that because because of of the the low low pricesprices for food andand clothing,clothing, most most of of thosethose living living in in the the proximity proximity ofof thethe communitiescommunities onon thethe leftleft bankbank of of the the Nistru Nistru river River prefer prefer to to buy buy the the necessarynecessary things things on on the the marketsmarkets fromfrom the left bank. Thus, theythey considerconsider that that the the existence existence of of the the border border crossingcrossing point point limits limits the the possibilities possibilities ofof thethe inhabitantsinhabitants to transport goods/productsgoods/products from from the the left left bank bank toto the the right right bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru River. river. WomenWomen havehave said that without the the consent consent of of the the Head Head of of the the Local Local AdministrationAdministration (“Глава (“Глава администрации” администрации” – the phrase usedused by by the the participants) participants) “people “people do do not not have have the the rightright to tobring bring to theto theterritory territory of the of left the bank, left bank,food in food large in quantities, large quantities, repair materials repair materials in large quantities,in large woodquantities, from the wood forest, from agricultural the forest, products agricultural from products over the from hill, etc.over” Thethe womenhill, etc.” participating The women participating in the survey saidin thethat survey often said the thatbehaviour often the of thebehaviour customs of officersthe customs towards officers the towards citizens the from citizens the rightfrom the bank right is disagreeable,bank is disagreeable, most of the interviewees most of the intervieweesfeel some emotional feel some discomfort emotional when discomfort crossing when the crossingcustoms thepost incustoms the security post inzone. the security zone.

“They "They are soare strict so strict at the at customs the customs there, there, like we’re like we'recriminals... criminals... the attitude the attitude is very is ugly. very With ugly. their With in - habitantstheir inhabitants they behave th nicely,ey behave but withnicely, us… but very with ugly. us… I didvery not ugly. expect I did it tonot be expect such a it rigorous to be such control, a sincerigorous we said control, that we since were we going said in that only we for wereone day going and in that only today for one we dayare returningand that ...today and wethey are told us thatreturning today ... we and have they to leavetold us the that territory today ...we otherwise have to leave they willthe taketerritory us out ...... otherwise and they t heylooked will so take ugly at usus all out ...... I feltand like they we looked were strangers.so ugly at usAnd all once ... I felt we likewent we out, were there strangers. came another And once customs we went control, out, inquiringthere camewhat weanother were briningcustoms and control, stuff... inquiring and... they what leered we wereat us briningas if we andstole stuff. but ..did and... not buythey the goodsleered ... “. atFG_MD_Centru us as if we stole but did not buy the goods ... ". FG_MD_Centru

“Prices"Prices are arecheaper cheaper in Transnistria, in Transnistria, food food is cheaper is cheaper ... we ... webuy buy the the products products there. there. There There are are many many resi - dentsresidents who receive who receivea pension a pension from Transnistria from Transnistria and those and rubles those they rubles go and they buy go products and buy fromproducts there. In Chisinau it would cost a 100 MDL, but there I buy the same with 40 Transnistrian rubles” - FG_ MD_Zonă_limitrofă

The relations between the communities on both banks of the Nistru River have not been affected92 by the conflict. The only discomfort created is the customs clearance between the two regions. Interview- ees stated that they have relatives, friends who live on the left bank/right bank and the relationship between them has not changed due to the unsettled Transnistrian conflict.

“You see that before we used to live as on a single territory, and now it is just the border, but for people as they had been relatives, so it has remained so, nothing has changed. They are friends, godfa- thers and the way we visited each other, so we still do. It’s just politics.... people have not changed in their behaviour, as they used to be in the Soviet Union so, they stayed, with the same attitude.” - FG_

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 77 MD_Zonă_limitrofă. “The relations between the relatives have remained the same, better or warm- er, we’ve always been family, and we loved one another. But the people there they think we do have some sort of connections...... when we met with ordinary people with the greatest pleasure we talked and met, and there were no cases of talking badly to one another. Absolutely not... but this thing with customs is the only discomfort. But this did not affect our relations”I_MD_APL_1 . The conflict has not affected the relations between the citizens, the citizens from the rural areas of Moldova do not differ from those in Transnistria. Between us there have never been conflicts. This conflict is an artificial one created for the benefit of someone. It is not hard to recognize to whom...I_MS_femeie lider_11

Some experts believe that the population on the left bank of the Nistru River has suffered much in the wake of the Transnistrian conflict: having limited access to training, quality educational services and health care. All these services are underdeveloped, which negatively influenced the situation of citizens, including women (I_MD_expert_6).

The unsettled Transnistrian conflict has caused, in some cases, the separation of the members of the families who lived in the security zone. These families have lived through emotional stressful states that affected the family lives and the interrelation of its members.

“After my assignment I went to work in Grigoriopol, because there was no teacher in the village, and there I had been working for 10 years, I had an apartment near school, but there the used the Cyrillic alphabet and that’s why I sent my child to school on the right bank of the Nistru River, where else? And for four years my little baby stood away from me (the interviewer begins to cry) and when I came to visit him he said, “you left me, you left me” I_MD_lider femeie_4.The regional analysis of respondents’ perceptions of the unresolved Transnistrian Conflict and its social impact attests the same trends: the population in the security zone/border area is the most affected and felt the impact of this problem in the largest proportion; the population on the left bank of the Nistru River in the least proportion thinks that the Transnistrian conflict has a negative impact on the population of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, 36% of the women of the left bank of the Nistru River argue that the level of influence of the conflict on the lives of women and the population in general, is small. Figure 63. The impact of the unsettled Transnistrian Conflict on the population in general, by regions, Figure% 63. The impact of the unsettled Transnistrian Conflict on the population in general, by regions, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 10,3 33,7 36,5 7,2 12,3

Border area 18,1 35,4 18,1 14,8 13,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 13,4 28,5 19,9 17,6 20,6

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

To a very large extent To a large extent To a small extent Not at all DK/NA

EveryEvery fifth fifthrespondent respondent (21,7%) (21,7%) states states that that her herpersonal personal life lifehas has worsened worsened as asa result a result of theof the unsettled unsettled TransnistrianTransnistrian conflict. conflict. Women Women in the in thesecurity security zone zone (29.2%) (29.2%) and and women women on onthe the left left bank bank of ofthe the Nistru Nistru River river(27.2%) (27.2%) suffered suffered the themost, most, compared compared to tothe the women women on on the the right right bankbank ofof the the Nistru.Nistru.

Figure 64. The direction in which respondents' life was influenced as a result of the unsettled The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Transnistrian78 conflict, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 1,3 63,7 17,8 9,4 7,9

Border area 1,7 56,1 21,2 8 13

The right bank of the Nistru river 1,7 51,1 11,7 4,9 30,6

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

My life has changed for the better In general my life has not been affected My life has gotten worse insignificant My life got even worse I don't know/No answer

The level of knowledge of respondents about the 5+2 format of negotiations is quite low. Every second respondent does not know/has not ever heard about the format of these negotiations. The most informed are women from the left bank of the Nistru (61.1%) and women in the security zone (30.7%).

Figure 63. The impact of the unsettled Transnistrian Conflict on the population in general, by regions, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 10,3 33,7 36,5 7,2 12,3

Border area 18,1 35,4 18,1 14,8 13,6

The right bank of the Nistru river 13,4 28,5 19,9 17,6 20,6

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

To a very large extent To a large extent To a small extent Not at all DK/NA

Every fifth respondent (21,7%) states that her personal life has worsened as a result of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict. Women in the security zone (29.2%) and women on the left bank of the Nistru river (27.2%) suffered the most, compared to the women on the right bank of the Nistru.

Figure Figure64. The 64. direction The direction in which in whichrespondents' respondents’ life was life influenced was influenced as a resultas a result of the of unsettledthe Transnistrian conflict, % unsettled Transnistrian conflict, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 1,3 63,7 17,8 9,4 7,9

Border area 1,7 56,1 21,2 8 13

The right bank of the Nistru river 1,7 51,1 11,7 4,9 30,6

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

My life has changed for the better In general my life has not been affected My life has gotten worse insignificant My life got even worse I don't know/No answer

The levelThe levelof knowledge of knowledge of ofrespondents respondents about the the 5+2 5+2 format format of negotiationsof negotiations is quite is low.quite Every low. second Every second respondentrespondent does notnot know/hasknow/has not not ever ever heard heard about about the the format format of theseof these negotiations. negotiations. The mostThe most informedinformed are women are women from from the the left left bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru (61.1%) and and women women in thein the security security zone zone (30.7%). (30.7%). The level of information regarding the 5 + 2 negotiation format of women on the right bank of Nistru RiverTheThe islevel levelthe oflowest of information information (21.7%). regarding regarding the the 5 5 + + 2 2 negotiation negotiation format format of of wom womenen on on the the right right bank bank of of Nistru Nistru RiverRiver is is the the lowest lowest (21.7%). (21.7%). 94

Figure 65. The knowledge of the respondents Figure 66. The knowledge of the respondents Figure 65. The knowledge of the respondents Figure 66. The knowledge of the respondents regardingFigure 65. the The format knowledge of 5+2 of negotiations the respondents on the Figureregarding 66. theThe format knowledge of 5+2 negotiationsof the respondents on settle- regardingregardingTransnistrian the the format format conflict of of 5+2 5+2 settlement,negotiations negotiations % on on regardingregardingment ofthethe the format Transnistrianformat oof f 5+2conflict,5+2 negotiationsnegotiations by regions, onon% thethe Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict conflict settlement, settlement, % % settlementsettlement of of the the Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict, conflict, by by regions, regions, % %

7,87,8 TheThe left left bank bank of of the the Nistru Nistru 61,161,1 36,336,3 2,62,6 41,541,5 riverriver

BorderBorder area area 30,430,4 65,865,8 3,83,8

TheThe right right bank bank of of the the 50,750,7 21,721,7 65,465,4 12,812,8 NistruNistru river river

0%0% 20%20%40%40%60%60%80%80%100%100% YesYes NoNo DK/NADK/NA YesYes NoNo DK/NADK/NA

Of the total number of respondents who know about the 5+2 format of negotiations, 51.3% consid- erOf itOf theinefficient the total total number number (34.1% of of respondents respondentshardly efficient, who who know know and about about17.2% the thenot 5+2 5+2at all format format efficient). of of negotiations, negotiations, In more 51.3% 51.3% weight, consider consider this opinionit it is mentionedinefficientinefficient by (34.1% (34.1% the respondents hardly hardly efficient, efficient, from and andthe 17.2%right 17.2% bank not not at(55.4%), at all all efficient). efficient). compared In In morewith more those weight, weight, from this this the opinion opinion left bank is is (49.9%).mentionedmentioned by by the the respondents respondents from from the the right right bank bank (55.4 (55.4%),%), compared compared with with those those from from the the left left bank bank Although(49.9%).(49.9%). the vast majority of those interviewed consider the 5+2 format of negotiations as inefficient, though some experts from the left bank state that some of the results of these negotiations are visible: AlthoughAlthough the the vast vast majority majority of of those those interviewed interviewed consider consider the the 5+2 5+2 format format of of negotiations negotiations as as inefficient, inefficient, the possibility for citizens from the left bank to travel with their own cars, the recognition of diplomas thoughthough some some experts experts from from the the left left bank bank state state that that some some of of the the results results of of these these negotiations negotiations are are vis visible:ible: etc. thethe possibility possibility for for citizens citizens from from the the left left bank bank to to travel travel with with their their own own cars, cars, the the recognition recognition of of diplomas diplomas etc.etc.

"We're"We're stuck stuck here, here, with with our our registration registration numbers, numbers, you you can't can't cross cross the the border. border. Better Better if if our our status status The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 79 wouldwould be be a a determined determined one one FG_MS_Centru FG_MS_Centru_6_6. .

"Negotiations"Negotiations are are held held, ,but but the the results results are are not not visible. visible. There There is is no no final final decision. decision. Neither Neither Europe, Europe, nono Russia Russia is is oriented oriented to to give give us us a a determined determined status. status. I Ithink think they they wanted wanted to to give give us us a a determined determined status,status, they they would would have have already already given given it it to to us. us. The The are are no no results results because because both both Russia Russia and and EuropeEurope say say that that they they see see us us as as part part of of a a united united Moldova. Moldova. I Idon't don't think think that that such such a a small small territory territory cancan be be recognized recognized as as an an independent independent country” country” FG_MS_Centru_7 FG_MS_Centru_7. .

FigureFigure 67. 67. The The vision vision of of respondents respondents on on the the TableTable 22.22. TheThe efficiencyefficiency ofof thethe 5+25+2 negotiationsnegotiations effectiveneseffectiveness sof of the the 5+2 5+2 negotiations negotiations format format formatformat onon thethe settlementsettlement ofof thethe TransnistrianTransnistrian ofof on on the the Transnistrian Transnistrian conflict conflict settlement, settlement, % % conflict,conflict, by by regions, regions, % % N=430 N=430

9595

“We’re stuck here, with our registration numbers, you can’t cross the border. Better if our status would be a determined one FG_MS_Centru_6.

“Negotiations are held, but the results are not visible. There is no final decision. Neither Europe, no Russia is oriented to give us a determined status. I think they wanted to give us a determined status, they would have already given it to us. The are no results because both Russia and Europe say that they see us as part of a united Moldova. I don’t think that such a small territory can beThe recognized The as The Very efficient 3,6 an independent country” FG_MS_Centru_7. right border left bank area bank Figure 67. The vision ofEfficient respondents on the effec19- Table 22. The efficiency of the 5+2 negotiations tiveness of the 5+2 negotiations format of on the format onVery the settlementefficient of the Transnistrian6.5 con-5.5 2.6 TransnistrianA little bit conflict efficient settlement, % 34,1 flict, by regions, % N=430 Efficient 13.3 9.5 21.1 The The The Very efficientNot at all efficient3,6 17,2 The right The bor- The left A little bit efficientbankright borderder area30.6 leftbank 33.9 35.4 bank area bank Efficient DK/NA 19 26,1Very efficientNot at all efficient6.5 5.524.8 2.618.1 14.5 Very efficient 6.5 5.5 2.6 Efficient 13.3 9.5 21.1 A little bit efficient 34,1 DK/NA 24.8 33.1 26.3 Efficient 13.3 9.5 21.1 A little bit efficient 30.6 33.9 35.4 Not at all efficient 17,2 A little bit efficient 30.6 33.9 35.4 Not at all efficient 24.8 18.1 14.5

DK/NA Not at all efficient 24.8 18.1 14.5 26,1 DK/NA 24.8 33.1 26.3

The settlement of the Transnistrian conflictDK/NA will have multiple 24.8 positive effects33.1 on26.3 the communication and interrelation of the population on both banks of the Nistru river, on the quality of public services, The settlementthe economicof the Transnistrian level and theconflict quality will of lifehave in multiplegeneral. positiveMore than effects half ofon thethe respondents, communication states that the and interrelationsettlement of the ofpopulation the Transnistrian on both banks conflict of the will Nistru ensure River, freedom on the of quality movement of public across services, the Nistru of the the economicpopulation level and of the the quality Republic of lifeof Moldovain general. (63.8%), More thanbetter half opportunities of the respondents, for trade states and businessthat (56.8%), theThe settlement settlementincreased of ofthe the Transnistrian quality Transnistrian of public conflict conflict health will services ensure have multiple freedom (52.4%), positive of more movement effects employment onacross the opportunitiesthecommunication Nistru of the on the labour population of the Republic of Moldova (63.8%), better opportunities for trade and business (56.8%), and interrelationmarket etc.of the population on both banks of the Nistru river, on the quality of public services, increasedthe economic quality level of andpublic the health quality servicesof life in (52.4%),general. Moremore thanemployment half of the opportunities respondents, stateson the that labour the marketsettlement etc. Figure of the 68. Transnistrian The positive conflict effects willof the ensure settlement freedom of of the movement Transnistrian across conflict the Nistru on women of the in rural areas, Figurepopulation 68.% The of positivethe Republic effects of Moldovaof the settlement (63.8%), ofbetter the Transnistrian opportunities conflict for trade on andwomen business in rural (56.8%), areas, % increased quality of public health services (52.4%), more employment opportunities on the labour market etc. The free movement 63,8 Figure 68. The positive effects of the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict on women in rural areas, Better opportunities for commerce and % entrepreneurship 56,8 Public health services more qualitative 52,4 More employmentThe free movement opportunities in the 63,8 labour market 52 Better opportunities for commerce and 56,8 entrepreneurshipMore developed infrastructure 51,7 Public health servicesMore more opportunities qualitative for leisure and52,4 47,2 More employment opportunitiesentertainment in the labour market 52 The quality of life of citizens better 47 More developed infrastructure 51,7 In a smaller percentageMore opportunities the resolution for leisure and of the conflict will result in increasing opportunities of education In a smaller percentage the resolution47,2 of the conflict will result in increasing opportunities of education (46.1%), increasing welfareentertainment of the population (42.8%), reducing corruption (33.1%), etc. (46.1%), increasing welfare of the population (42.8%), reducing corruption (33.1%), etc. The quality of life of citizens better 47

80 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study In a smaller percentage the resolution of the conflict will result in increasing opportunities of education (46.1%), increasing welfare of the population (42.8%), reducing corruption (33.1%), etc. 96

7.2. Practices of communication between the communities on both banks of the Nistru river 7.2. Practices of communication between the communities on both banks of the Nis- tru TheRiver relations between the citizens of the right and left bank of the Nistru river are characterized in large part as being good, with small pressures that are settled in a peaceful way (52.9%), and very good, The withoutrelations conflicbetweents the of communicationcitizens of the right (17.7%). and left The bank share of the of Nistru respondents River are whocharacterized appreciates in the largerelationships part as being between good, with people small on pressures both banks that of are the settled Nistru inriver a peaceful as a tense way and (52.9%), conflictual and very is just good 10%., without conflicts of communication (17.7%). The share of respondents who appreciates the relation- shipsIn between spite of people the multiple on both banks barriers of the of communication,Nistru River as a tense the studyand conflictual highlights is numerojust 10%.us practices of communication and cooperation between the communities on both banks of the Nistru river. The In spite of the multiple barriers of communication, the study highlights numerous practices of com- municationmajority and cooperate cooperation in the between framework the ofcommunities various projects/grants on both banks for of local the Nistru development. River. The The majority majority of cooperatethe communities in the framework researched of various is implementing projects/grants projects for local for development.young people, The the majority development of the ofcom tourism,- munitiesdevelopment researched of localis implementing culture (I_MS_APL_5 projects for). young people, the development of tourism, development of local culture (I_MS_APL_5). "I do not see any links between conflict and entrepreneurial co-operation. In the period of “I do notrealization see any links of projects between in conflict collaboration and entrepreneurial with the Moldova, co-operation. we have In thecreated period more of realization good/friendly of projectsrelations. in collaboration Many of us with are the cooperating Moldova, we so havefar. Obviously created more that good/friendly doesn't influence relations. the Manybad, we of meet us are atcooperating conferences so far.made Obviously in Chisinau, that doesn’t and influenceit was a thepleasure bad, wefor meetus toat conferencescommunicate, made even in the Chisinau, and it was a pleasure for us to communicate, even the language barrier was not a problem language barrier was not a problem for us,” I_MS_expert _10. for us,” I_MS_expert _10.

EveryEvery second second respondent respondent (43.6%) (43.6%) was, was, during during the lastthe 5last years, 5 years, in the in visit the onvisit the on territory the territory of the of left the left bank/rightbank/right bank bank of Nistru of Nistru River. river. Depending Depending on the on regions,the regions, we find we findthat thatthe thewomen women on the on left the bankleft bankof of the Nistruthe Nistru River River and thoseand those in the in border the bo arearder visitedarea visited in a larger in a larger proportion proportion the settlements the settlements located located on on the otherthe other bank bank of the of Nistru,the Nistru, compared compared to the to womenthe women on the on theright right bank bank of the of theNistru Nistru River. river.

FigureFigure 69. 69. The The share share of of women women who, overover the the past past 5 years,5 years, have have visited visited the settlementsthe settlements on the on the other bank on the Nistru river, % other bank on the Nistru River, %

The left bank of the Nistru river 63,6 31,8 4,5

Border area 54,2 40 5,9

The right bank of the Nistru river 23,5 61,8 14,7

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Yes Not DK/NA

Visits to the localities situated on the other bank of the Nistru river were aimed at: meeting and Visitscommunication to the localities with situated relatives/acquaintances on the other bank of(18.1%), the Nistru visiting River cultural were aimed and leisureat: meeting areas and (10.1%), com- and, munication with relatives/acquaintances (18.1%), visiting cultural and leisure areas (10.1%), and, last but last but not least, travelling for work (4.2 %). Data of the quantitative survey found that every third not least, travelling for work (4.2 %). Data of the quantitative survey found that every third woman has woman has friends (26.8%) and close relatives (30.1%) on the left bank/right bank, which facilitates the friends (26.8%) and close relatives (30.1%) on the left bank/right bank, which facilitates the communi- communication of citizens on both banks of the Nistru river. Most often the respondents are cation of citizens on both banks of the Nistru River. Most often the respondents are communicating on the phone, including talks by social networks (31.1%). A part of the rural women, who have relatives on the other bank of the Nistru River, prefer to meet for the holidays in order to maintain relations of 97 kinship/friendship (29.5%).

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 81 communicating on the phone, including talks by social networks (31.1%). A part of the rural women, who have relatives on the other bank of the Nistru river, prefer to meet for the holidays in order to maintain relations of kinship/friendship (29.5%).

FigureFigure 70. 70. The The share share of respondents whowho havehave relations relations of of kinship, kinship, friendship friendship with with the the citizens citizens on theon the left bank/right bank of Nistruleft bank/rightriver, by regions, bank of % Nistru River, by regions, %

20,9 Close relatives 43,9 39,1 16,3 Friends 36,1 36,9 5 Work colleagues 11,5 4,2 2,1 Others 4,8 3,1

The right bank of the Nistru river Border area The left bank of the Nistru river

To increase the level of communication between the citizens of both sides of the Nistru river it is Tonecessary increase theto organise level of variouscommunication organized between group activities, the citizens involving of both both sides citizens of the from Nistru the Riverright itbank, is nec and- essarycitizens to organisefrom the variousleft. Among organized these we group mention: activities, the meetinginvolving of both the citizens citizens on from both the banks right of bank, the Nistru and citizensin the from context the left. of Among group these discussions, we mention: facilitating the meeting the exchange of the citizens of experience on both banks between of the citizens,Nistru inorganizations the context of and group groups discussions, of local facilitating initiative, increasingthe exchange the of level experience of communication between citizens, and interaction organi- zationsbetween and politicians groups of on local both initiative, sides of theincreasing Nistru river, the level participation of communication in joint events and fo interactionr both sides, between etc. politicians on both sides of the Nistru River, participation in joint events for both sides, etc. Table 23. Activities necessary to be organized to increase the level of communication of citizens on both banks of the Nistru river, % Table 23. Activities necessary to be organized to increase the level of communication of citizens on both banks of the Nistru River, % The The The left General right border bank bank area General The right bank The border area The left bank Group discussions between the citizens of both sides of the 22.3 25.5 26.5 19.2 GroupNistru discussions river between the citi- 22.3 25.5 26.5 19.2 zensParticipation of both sides in joint of the events Nistru River 14.8 12.2 15.6 17.2 The more active and systematic interaction between 11.1 9.0 4.9 13.4 Participationpoliticians in joint events 14.8 12.2 15.6 17.2 Decision-making by institutions on both banks of the Nistru The more active and systematic in- 10.6 6.8 8.8 14.5 river, considering the needs of the population11.1 9.0 4.9 13.4 teractionExchange between of experience politicians between organizations on both banks 8.7 8.4 9.4 9.1 Decision-makingof the Nistru river by institutions on bothElse banks of the Nistru River, con- 10.6 6.8 0.28.8 0.4 0.414.5 0.0 sideringI don't know/can't the needs of answer the population 19.6 28.4 22.2 10.6 Exchange of experience between organizations on both banks of the 8.7 8.4 9.4 9.1 Nistru River 98

Else 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.0

I don’t know/can’t answer 19.6 28.4 22.2 10.6

82 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study GENERAL FINDINGS The quality of life of rural women on both banks of the Nistru River

Data of the quantitative survey shows a low level of life quality for rural women. Poverty manifested by economic problems, lack of employment opportunities and adverse conditions of living are the main issues that affect rural women from both banks of the Nistru River. Aspects of family life and personal life are less felt by the respondents.

Emigration for work abroad is another problem that negatively affects rural communities. The study found that every third woman wishes to emigrate abroad for work. The problem of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict affects only 20% of respondents, in a higher proportion being affected women from the security zone.

The value system of women in rural areas puts in the first placethe family/family climate, health and material well-being. Only 10% of women give importance to their studies/continuous studies and professional affirmation. The priorities of the value system of women certify attachment to the traditional vision regarding the role of women in the society. Both groups of women, from the right bank and left bank of the Nistru River, follow the same system of values. Family security and political stability do not represent values that are important for rural women.

The social problems mentioned in the survey that affect women in rural areas are: poor quality of medical services or lack thereof, poverty caused by a lack of employment opportunities on the labour market and adverse living conditions. These problems are characteristic to women on both banks of the Nistru River, even if the economic situation of women from the right bank is better compared with the situation on the left bank. Women participating in the survey assessed their income as being relatively small and insufficient to meet the minimum consumption basket.

Despite a great many social problems, women still have a positive perception of the future (61.2%). Many of the problems faced by women are due to traditional stereotypes and the patriarchal vision that women’s place is in the kitchen and not where decisions are made. Sometimes, women’s issues are not acknowledged by the Local Public Administration (LPA), who should play an active role in supporting women in the community. Even if the LPA does not specifically address women’s issues, however many of the initiatives/projects implemented have had a positive impact on the general population, including women: street lighting, gasification projects of rural communities, creation of Centres for persons with special educational needs within schools, projects for drinking water supply of the rural population, the empowerment of women in the development of their own business, etc.

The analysis of the living conditions reveals that 90 % of the sample population has access to basic goods, including: electricity, TV, mobile and landline telephony, a refrigerator, a stove connected to natural gas. The majority of respondents (70%) have a computer with Internet connection, have access to water and sewage system, own heating.

The level of involvement of institutions from the community in solving the problems that affect rural women is quite low. Mostly, women are supported by: Family Doctors Centres (49.3%), educational institutions (43.6 percent), the church (43.4%), day centres for young people (39.9%). Most qualitative services provided at the community level are in the opinion of the respondents, as follows: emergency services (52.9%), educational services (51%), services provided by the institutions of the community.

The studies and the level of education of women in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River

The quantitative research analysed the level of studies and education of women in these groups to elucidate which are the larger groups of women in rural areas, according to the criterion of studies

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 83 completed. Thus, in the group of women from the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River, the majority (35.1%) are women with general/vocational school studies, while in the group of localities on the left bank of the Nistru River this percentage is higher and constitutes 41.6%.

In the group of women from the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River there are fewer women with high school/college education, the latter making up only 9.5%, while the number of women with higher education is greater (28.8%). In the group of women from villages in the border area the women who have completed general/professional studies prevails and constitutes 37.3%, while those from the sub-groups with incomplete secondary education and constitutes 22.5%. The women with higher education on the right bank of Nistru River, and those who live in border area is more or less the same, and constitutes 20.6% and, respectively, 22.0%.

In the localities from the border area the number of women with high school and/or college education (17%) is approximately the same as the numbers in the localities on the right bank of the Nistru River (19.7), a big discrepancy compared to the percentage of women with the same level of studies in the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River (9.5%).

The comparative analysis of the level of studies on subsamples of the three categories of localities has revealed a few peculiarities. From the data available in the research it is attested that among the total sample with the three sub-samples, the largest group is the group of women with vocational and incomplete secondary education and the smallest group consists of women with master’s and doctorate studies, on the one hand, and those with no studies or incomplete primary education on the other hand. At the same time, the percentage of women with incomplete higher education (bachelor’s degree) is approximately the same in all three groups of women. In the group of women with general/ vocational school studies, as well as with complete higher education, most women originate from localities on the left bank of the Nistru River, and constitutes 70.4%.

Although women involved in the quantitative research do not have the highest level of education, 58.7% of respondents consider that higher education would improve their lives, while only 12.9% do not see a link between the level of education and the quality of life. However, the percentage of women who believe so is the lowest in the localities on the left bank of the Nistru River (50.3%) as opposed to those in the localities on the right bank (66.7%) and in the border area (64%).

The interviews and discussions in groups, both with women actively involved, and those who do not engage in the life of the community in which they live, have highlighted the fact that women in rural areas give great value to education; the majority of them arguing in favour of supporting their children to continue education, in spite of the economic problems of the family. Some respondents assessed the level of women’s studies as a go card in life, even if they did not get to work after completion of education due to lack of opportunities in the village, their chances at self-affirmation would have been higher.

In exchange, women with a low degree of participation seem to be more sceptical to continue their studies or participate in courses of professional requalification, invoking in large part the lack of employment opportunities or low wages.

Employment of rural women on both sides of the Nistru River

According to the survey, half of the women interviewed are not employed and every fourth woman is retired due to age or health condition. Low level employment is determined by the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas on both banks of the Nistru River.

The survey shows that women working in rural area are mainly employed in public institutions from

84 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study the community (village hall, school, kindergarten) and in agriculture. Every second female participant in the study (48.5%) is occupied with activities that does not correspond to the profession obtained on the basis of studies. In the opinion of respondents, the main factors in choosing the profession are the skills that they have and parents’ influence on their educational decision. Women participating in the study assess their income as being relatively small and insufficient to meet the minimum consumption basket. Every second woman in rural area states that the monthly salary covers only necessities and 16.2% of the respondents stated that the salary does not cover the basics.

Monthly food and house maintenance costs for the respondents reach approximately the amount of an average wage, which in 2018 constitutes 6,507 MDL28 (about 325 euros), and in the Transnistrian region 4,270 rubles29 (213 euro). The women from the right bank spend on average for monthly consumption 5640 MDL (282 euro), compared with women on the left bank, which have a monthly spending budget in amount of 5242 (262 euro) Transnistrian rubles.

The main sources of income for rural women on both banks of the Nistru River come from agricultural activities, including income obtained from the processing of the gardens around the homes. The share of women who earn less than their husbands/partners is considerable, and constitutes 35.1%.

The main risks associated with female employment in the respondents’ view are family factors, including the prevalence of attitudes and stereotypes that attribute to women a number of family roles: raising children, caring for the home, preparing food, maintaining the family climate, etc. One-third of respondents say they have been confronted professionally with gender-sensitive situations. Thus, 29.8% of the respondents were treated unequally because they were women and 22.2% of female employees say they have suffered at their workplace for the very same reasons.

The quantitative and qualitative data of the research shows that one of the biggest barriers for women in realizing their professional potential are the socio-cultural expectations regarding women’s role in family life, household responsibilities and care for children and the elderly in the family. Participants in group discussions have evoked situations and concrete aspects of their lives or the lives of other women around them (mothers, relatives, sisters, etc.) that they have encountered throughout their lives and often have played an obstructive role in the way of self-affirmation, both at professional and civic level.

The barriers faced by rural women in their self-affirmation are (i) socio-economic (reduced opportunities to find a job and low income, poor conditions for the use of their knowledge/education, lack of opportunities, technologies, resources, lack of a favourable investment climate, persistence of a male model associated with political and entrepreneurial activities, etc.), and (ii) cultural (gender stereotypes, cultural norms on power relations between women and men in the family, myths and erroneous opinions about women’s reduced capacity to lead, take care of business, etc.).

The public and political participation of women can be summarized in the following activities: activities organized within a non-governmental organization, followed by the provision of social assistance to vulnerable people and local assemblies. The lowest number of women participation related to the following events: candidacy for leading positions, submission of a complaint, reporting of a violation of law, public demonstrations and professional strikes. A vast majority of women (71.2%) are not informed that they have the right to participate in public events in the community. A possible solution for this state of affairs could be the development of projects in this region by NGOs and development partners, as well as the LPA commitment to inform citizens.

28 National Bureau of Statistics informs that in III quarter 2018 the average monthly nominal gross salary was 6 507,3 lei, registering an increase of 12,0% compared to the third quarter of 2017 (source: www.statistica.md) 29 Information on the site provided by the so-called Ministry of Economy of the Transnistrian region (source: http://mer.gospmr.org/ gosudarstvennaya-sluzhba-statistiki/informacziya/o-zarabotnoj-plate-v-pmr.html

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 85 The health of women in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River

More than half of the women in rural areas do not have a Centre/Centres of Family Doctors that provide health services in their community and the share of those who have health insurance is just 40%.

In the view of participants at the group discussions many of them prefer to purchase the medical insurance policy and to benefit from medical services on the right bank of the Nistru River. Women in the security zone, who retired on the left bank of the Nistru River, have most problems in accessing medical services.

The need to access medical services is felt more by the elderly population on both banks of the Nistru River. More than half of the female population visit doctors only in critical cases, when “the disease is already in the throat”.

The main reasons which influence the level of visits to the doctors are as follows: use without prescription of medicines previously purchased for another health issue (36.2%) the belief in the use of naturalistic drugs (9.9%), poor quality of medical services (9.8%) and distrust in specialist doctors (7.9).

Family relations in rural areas on both sides of the Nistru River

Although in the last decades the Republic of Moldova has implemented certain legal and regulatory frameworks for the purpose of strengthening gender equality, the population shares mostly conservative beliefs about the role of women and men in society. Communities continue to manifest mostly in a patriarchal way, although certain developments have been recorded in recent years (increased number of women in positions of mayors, Government ministers, etc.). However, the relationships between genders are still traditional, especially within the family and in the society in general, (reluctance towards women in decision-making positions, the distribution of “professions” and “areas” on the grounds of gender, etc.), which also involves the perpetuation of traditional gender roles.

Thus, women, in most cases, are responsible for the kitchen, for cleaning the house, washing clothes and dishes, as well as the education and care of children and the elderly in the family. Unlike women, men are considered responsible for far fewer issues (home repairs, housework that involves greater physical effort, agricultural work involving the use of agricultural machinery, etc.).

Women’s perceptions with regard to the role of women in the family from the point of view of the leadership and decision-making ability, are more emancipated. When they were requested to answer the question “Who should lead in the family, the woman or the man?”, most of the women (47.7%) opted for the answer “gender doesn’t matter”. At the same time, the percentage of participants in the survey, which consider that in the family “it is preferable for men to lead” (26.6%) and those who consider that in the family “it is preferable for women to lead” (24.8%) is approximately the same.

Comparative analysis of quantitative data reveals the fact that women in villages from the border area and those on the right bank of the Nistru River to a greater extent than those on the left bank of the Nis- tru River consider that “gender does not matter” when it comes to the subject of leadership in the family. However, women on the left bank of the Nistru River consider in a significantly higher proportion that in the family it is preferable for the women to lead.

The quantitative research has highlighted the fact that the majority of women in the general sample (81.1%) agree (totally or partially) that the primary role of women is to raise and educate children, while the role of the man is to ensure the welfare of the family. However, while they share this stereotyped vision on the roles of reproductive and productive characteristics of men and women, the majority of respondents (81.9%) believe that men and women have equal rights in the community, while others

86 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 77.9% believe that women and men must also be involved in leadership and political positions, even if women are considered to be intimidated by large responsibilities.

Violence against women

Although it is a phenomenon with multiple consequences on the victims and on the family and society in general, stereotypes and prejudices seem to be more powerful than legal rules. Women in Moldova most often do not want to talk about the problems in their family with other people, because many people believe that domestic violence is a private matter. Thus, only 13.7% of women reported that domestic violence affects their lives, while 68.3% of respondents opted for the answer “not at all”. On the contrary, however, in the focus group discussion and in-depth interviews, when participants were asked to express their opinion on the most pressing issues in the community, the theme of violence in the family was mentioned more often, than for example, the Transnistrian conflict or reduced access to social services, leisure and social activities.

The problem of violence against women is on the public and policy agenda on both banks of the Nis- tru River, but the interventions at the local level, although much improved, still have not determined a significant shift in the direction of eliminating the phenomenon. Ensuring access to women from rural areas to social services for victims of violence against women is one of the most pressing problems.

Knowledge and attitudes about the unsettled Transnistrian conflict

The knowledge of the respondents in respect of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict and the 5+2 format of negotiations is quite low. Half of the women in rural areas do not know/have not ever heard about the work of the 5+2 negotiation format. Depending on the region, we find that the most informed are the women from the left bank of Nistru River and those who live in the border area.

The impact of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict on the lives of women in rural areas is felt by 44% of the respondents (15.7% to a great extent/ very great extent and 29.1% to a small extent). Most of all, the conflict has affected the population/women in the security zone/in the immediate vicinity of the security zone. Every third woman in the security zone said that they had suffered as a result of the unsettled Transnistrian conflict.

The creation of border crossing points between the right and left bank communities caused more barriers for people of the Republic of Moldova: travel barriers, access to medical services, limiting the possibility of transporting food and household products etc. Every fifth respondent (21.7%) says that personal life has worsened as a result of the unresolved Transnistrian conflict. The relations between the citizens on the two banks of the Nistru River have been affected the conflict. The relations between the citizens on the right and left bank of the Nistru River are characterized as good, with small tensions that are solved peacefully (52.9%) and very good, without communication conflicts (17.7%). Every second respondent (43.6%) visited the territory of the left/right bank of the Nistru River over the past 5 years. The vast majority of those interviewed consider the 5+2 format of negotiations as ineffective, but some experts from the left bank claim that some of the results of this negotiation are visible: the possibility for citizens from the left bank to travel with their own cars, the recognition of diplomas etc.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 87 RECOMMENDATIONS AND POSSIBLE ENTRY POINTS For Central Public Authorities • Monitoring the implementation of legal provisions related to the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment and the optimization of the legal-regulatory framework in the field of domestic violence, primary health care, the investment climate, the rights of persons with disabilities, the reform of pensions and social aid, regulations for the operation and approval of the kindergartens and increasing the efficiency (increasing the number, proper equipping, regional- ization, etc.) of institutions for elderly care. • Development of the legal framework in the field of reference of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova through adherence to international conventions, the development of an Action Plan to ensure gender equality between women and men and the establishment of a quota of women’s representation in public/leadership structures on the left bank of the Nistru River, following the model recently adopted on the right bank. It is important the initiative of the Central Public Administration to promote women in society and to decision-making positions, the principles of gender equality, in particular, among young people, demonstrating the success of women in public life, politics, business and in other areas of human activity which will contribute to the gradual change of traditions in the society.

For the Local Public Administration on both banks of the Nistru River • Increasing the level of awareness of the local representatives with respect to the specific problems of women in rural areas, on the basis of dialogue and communication with the female population on both banks of the Nistru River; • The inclusion of gender issues/problems faced by rural women on the public agenda and the priorities of local development (e.g., domestic violence, employment of young women, inclusion of women with disabilities, etc.); • Enhancing community cohesion through cooperation with all actors in the community with regard to solving problems mapped in the community (civic Watchdog groups, community police, emergency teams, etc.); • Analysis of local budgets from gender perspective and budgeting of annual activities to en- courage women from rural areas/activities for women; • Increasing the involvement of citizens by encouraging them to participate in decisions concerning the local budget and the organization of public meetings and the use of other instruments of civic participation; • The involvement of local government in supporting small business and creating employment opportunities for vulnerable women in the community, by providing professional guidance and skills development in the area of provision of services (barber shops, cosmetology centres, sports centres, cultural leisure centres, etc.); • Development of alternative services for childcare to enable women with small children to work; • The creation of community centres for counselling and psychological assistance, including for victims of domestic violence; • Development of social care services for the elderly, including elderly women, taking into account their needs;

88 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study • Promoting healthy lifestyles and increase the quality of life of citizens in rural areas by solving problems related to local infrastructure; • Increasing the level of transparency of LPA activities through the continuous information of the population about local initiatives and increasing the level of involvement of citizens in community life; • The involvement of the LPA and national NGOs in the promotion of gender equality in the community and combating gender stereotypes; • Increasing the level of awareness of citizens towards the problem of domestic violence; • Involvement within LPA of gender specialists (focal points) or extension of competences of the social worker with appropriate remuneration.

For the civil society on both banks of the Nistru River • Creation of local initiative groups, both on the right and on left bank of the Nistru River and empowering them in various fields such as: trainings on how to apply to international grants, project management, problem analysis and development of action plans; • Increasing the level of cooperation between the NGOs on both banks of the Nistru River, by involving them in solving the same common problems of women; • The promotion of professional orientation in schools and at community level in order to train the women on the basis of their skills and needs available on the labour market; • Development of coaching services for rural women in opening their own business; • The empowerment of rural women in the field of civic and political participation; • Increasing the level of cooperation between women from different rural communities, including from the right and left bank of the Nistru River; • Economic empowerment of women by empowering them in the area of starting their own business and informing them about the rights in the labour area; • Increasing the level of awareness of women of the left bank of the Nistru about the problems faced; • Increasing the level of involvement of women in community life, activities conducted in the community by the local public authorities and associative structures; • Empowering women on both banks of the Nistru River in the area of leadership, developing the capabilities of leaders, which would change the way of thinking and vision with reference to the roles of women in the family and community, with a special attention to the women of the left bank of the Nistru River, which have shown little initiative at the community level and do not realize the need of participation in decision making; • Increasing the level of informing the population about the significance of the 5+2 negotiation format and the activities carried out in this aspect.

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 89 ANNEXES Table 1. The structure of the sample, the right bank of the Nistru River, N=522

Variable Category Count Percentage Groups of 18 - 29 years 123 23.6 Age 30 - 44 years 134 25.8 45 - 59 years 129 24.8 60+ years 135 25.8 Education Incomplete secondary education 123 23.6 General school/vocational training 183 35.1 High School/College 103 19.7 Higher education 107 20.6 Occupation Entrepreneur 21 4.0 Employee 197 37.8 Temporarily not working 39 7.4 Not working 252 48.2 Income Low 178 34.1 Average 222 42.6 High 122 23.3 Civil status Married/Cohabiting 384 73.5 Divorced 13 2.5 Widow 79 15.1 Never married 42 8.1 Ethnicity Moldovans/Romanian 454 86.9 Russian 5 1.0 Ukrainians 22 4.2 Another 42 8.0 Total 522 100.0

Table 2. The structure of the sample, the left bank of the Nistru River, N=514

Variable Category Count Percentage Groups of 18 - 29 years 121 23.6 Age 30 - 44 years 132 25.8 45 - 59 years 127 24.8 60+ years 133 25.8 Education Incomplete secondary education 101 19.7 General school/vocational training 214 41.6 High School/College 49 9.5 Higher education 148 28.8 Occupation Entrepreneur 21 4.0 Employee 211 41.0

90 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Temporarily not working 39 7.7 Not working 239 46.5 Income Low 94 18.3 Average 296 57.6 High 124 24.0 Civil status Married/Cohabiting 337 65.6 Divorced 38 7.4 Widow 81 15.7 Never married 57 11.0 Ethnicity Moldovan/Romanian 288 56.0 Russian 95 18.4 Ukrainian 97 18.9 Another 34 6.7 Total 514 100.0

Table 3. The structure of the sample, the settlements located in the border area, N=206

Variable Category Count Percentage Groups of 18 - 29 years 49 23.6 Age 30 - 44 years 53 25.8 45 - 59 years 51 24.8 60+ years 53 25.8 Education Incomplete secondary education 46 22.5 General school/vocational training 77 37.3 High School/College 35 17.0 Higher education 45 22.0 Occupation Entrepreneur 5 2.3 Employee 79 38.4 Temporarily not working 19 9.4 Not working 101 49.1 Income Low 75 36.4 Average 82 39.6 High 49 24.0 Civil status Married/Cohabiting 140 68.1 Divorced 7 3.2 Widow 35 17.2 Never married 21 10.1 Ethnicity Moldovan/Romanian 187 90.8 Russian 2 1.1 Ukrainian 14 6.8 Another 3 1.4 Total 206 100.0

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 91 Table 4. The localities and the categories of actors selected for the qualitative research

Settlements on the right No. Actors interviewed Methods/codes bank of the Nistru River Locality bordering Group of women mainly working in Group interview the village of Dorot- agriculture FG_MD_Zona_ Border Zona 1. kaya from Dubasari Woman leader who has opened a In-depth interview rayon business of her own in the community I_MD_femeie leader Group of vulnerable women (Rus- Group interview The South/TAUG sian-speaking) in Gagauzia including FG_MD_UTAG 2. Several rural localities Bulgarian women, in GAGAUZIA Woman leader in the field of NGO In-depth interview Woman leader in the community I_MD_femeie leader In-depth interview I_MD_APL Representative LPA/mayor male The North Group interview 3. Chetrosu village of FG_MD_Nord Mixed group of Roma women and Drochia In-depth interview I_MD_fe- Woman leader in the community meie leader The Centre Women of Roma ethnicity, leader – In-depth interview village of Carpineni, community mediator I_MD_femeie lieder 4. Hancesti district and Group of women from the communi- Group interview other rural community who participated in the leadership FG_MD_femei_Roma ties in the district and empowerment training LPA Representative, woman mayor The Centre, In-depth interview I_MD_fe- Group of vulnerable women speaking village of Scoreni, meie leader 5. Romanian Straseni district Group interview Woman leader in the community (edu- FG_MD_femei_Roma cation) Experts in the field of gender equality, working in governmental, interna- 6. The Centre, Chisinau tional and associative structures: UN In-depth interview MD_expert Women, DidacticaPro, ProGen, OSME, MSMPSF, independent experts. Localities on the left NR. Actors interviewed Methods bank of the Nistru River LPA Representative In-depth interview I_MS_APL The Centre Group interview The village Carmano- 7. Group of women in the community FG_MS_Centru vo, In-depth interview MD_femeie Grigoriopol rayon Woman leader in the community lieder Representative of the LPA In-depth interview I_MS_APL The Centre, Group interview FG_MS_Centru 8. village of Roghi, Group of women in the community In-depth interview MD_femeie Dubasari rayon lieder Woman leader in the community Representative of the LPA In-depth interview I_MS_APL The North, Group interview FG_MS_Nord 9. Mocra village, Group of women in the community In-depth interview I_MD_fe- Rybnitsa rayon meie lieder Woman leader in the community

92 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study Representative of the LPA In-depth interview The South, I_MS_APL 10. village of Parcani, Group of women in the community Group interview FG_MS_Centru Slobozia rayon In-depth interview I_MD_fe- Woman leader in the community meie lieder Representative of the LPA In-depth interview I_MS_APL The North, Group interview FG_MS_Nord 11. Rotar village, Group of women in the community In-depth interview I_MD_fe- Camenca rayon meie lieder Woman leader in the community Experts in the field of gender equality, In-depth interview I_MD_ex- 12. The Centre, Tiraspol working in the government structures, pert academia and the NGO sector

Table 5. The list of projects with social impact in the gender field implemented on both banks of the Nistru River

The name of the implemented projects on the right bank of the Nistru River, the imple- No. menter and the donor „Women build bridges over the Nistru River by addressing practical problems” implemented by 1 the Association “Institutum Virtutes Civilis”, with the financial support of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Moldova and the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The government programme ”Women in Business”, implemented by ODIMM and the Ministry of 2. Economy. «Go Mentor: if you want to grow up, pick a good mentor», implemented by AFAM, with the finan- 3. cial support of UN Women, Embassy of Sweden and the Project of Competitiveness, funded by the USAID and the Government of Sweden.

«Build bridges, overcome barriers – building bridges between civil society and the communities 4. on the two banks of the Nistru River», from the resources awarded by the European Union and co-financed by the Government of Sweden. 5. ”Joint action to strengthen human rights in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova” ”Transnistrian dialogues”, funded by the financing Platform of the UNDP for Governance, and 6. for Inclusive and Peaceful Society , under the Platform for Conflict Prevention. 7. ”Joint action to strengthen human rights in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova” 8. UNDP Program ”Measures to promote confidence”.

9. The joint UN Women/UNDP Programme «Women in Politics». Including other projects with impact over the field of reference, implemented on the right bank of the Nistru River The joint programme of the UN «Strengthening the National Statistical System», including the online interactive platform Gender Pulse (in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics 10. and with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Na- tions Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women).

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 93 The National Programme of Mentoring for Active Women «INSPIR-O!» is conducted by the Cen- 11. tre «Partnership for Development» with the support of the UN Programme «Women in Politics». The media campaign «The press balances the gender!», implemented by the Independent Jour- 12. nalism Centre in collaboration with the Coordinating Council of the Audiovisual. The project «From 87 to 100» is implemented by the Centre «Partnership for Development», 13. with the financial support of the Equality and Civic Participation Program of Soros Founda- tion-Moldova and the OSCE Mission in the Republic of Moldova. The project ”Healthy lifestyles: reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases”, imple- 14. mented by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute in the Republic of Moldova, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project “All equal, all healthy: Empowering women and girls with disabilities in Moldova to 15. exercise their sexual and reproductive rights”, implemented by the Centre for Training in Repro- ductive Health, with the financial support of the Embassy of Finland in Bucharest. The project «Technical Assistance activities and strengthening capacity in the field of health 16. on both banks of the Nistru River», financially supported by WHO and the Program «Support to Confidence building Measures», financed by the European Union and coordinated by WHO. The project “Re-engineering vocational orientation and career counselling”, implemented by 17. the Centre for Entrepreneurial Education and Business Support (CEDA), with the support of the Austrian Development Agency. The project ”Training Activity in the Field of Entrepreneurship and Employment in Moldova”, 18. implemented by the Centre for Entrepreneurial Education and Business Support (CEDA), with the support of development Agency of Liechtenstein. 19. The Program GirlsGoIT, UNDP, UN Women Moldova. «The Gender Equality index 2017”, prepared by the Centre Partnership for Development with 20. the support of East European Foundation „Program to support media institutions in ensuring gender equality”, implemented by the As- sociation of Independent Press (AIP) with the support of the United Nations Entity for Gender 21. Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with East European Foundation and the Centre ”Partner- ship for Development”, funded by the Swedish Government. The media programme ”Click for gender equality”, implemented by AIP, at the initiative of UN 22. Women, with financial support of the Government of Sweden. Report on the monitoring of media content from the point of view of gender balance, elabo- 23. rated by the Independent Journalism Centre with the financial support of the Swedish Agency for International Development and Cooperation, through the Embassy of Sweden in Chisinau. The project ”Strengthening democracy in Moldova through inclusive and transparent elec- 24. tions”, the CEC, CCET, Centre for electronic governance, with the support of UNDP and the Em- bassy of Great Britain. The programme «Women in Business» of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Develop- 25. ment (EBRD), with support from the European Union, Sweden, the Transition Countries Fund and the Fund for Small Businesses. Master programs, approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research, including Pub- 26. lic Finance and Taxation, Financial-Banking Administration, as well as Accounting and Audit in Public Institutions with the inclusion of the discipline ”Gender-sensitive budgeting”.

94 The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study The name of the implemented projects on the left bank of the Nistru River, Nr. the implementer and the donor The project «Development of a sustainable platform of cooperation of the farming women on both banks of the Nistru River», Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Transnistria. The project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP (United Nations Development 27. Programme). The aim of the project is to support and promote the development of women’s entrepreneurship, including in rural areas, as well as the promotion of advanced technologies, in particular in the agricultural sector of the economy. Transnistrian Platform for the prevention of domestic violence and promotion of women’s rights, implemented by the NGO «Initiatives of Women», the Centre for Development and Support of 28. Civil Initiatives «Resonance». The project had aimed at strengthening the joint efforts of NGOs from Transnistria in the field of prevention of domestic violence consequences and promotion of women in society. The project «The woman and the trades» is implemented by Agency for Regional Development 29. of Transnistria with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Romania and Moldova in the framework of the Program «Human Rights».

Table 6. Perspectives of employment of rural women on both sides of the Nistru River, including the border area, %

The right bank of the The border area, The left bank of the Nistru River N=193 N= 75 Nistru River N= 220 Day work 66.3 65.8 40.0 In associations/agricultural enter- 33.1 33.1 34.6 prises At the shop in the village 37.9 37.9 28.6 In in educational institutions 30.5 26.6 25.6 (school, kindergarten, etc.) In health care institutions 19.4 17.6 18.2

Table 7. Distribution of rural women from both banks of the Nistru in terms of ensuring the needs of living on salary income, %

The right bank of the The border area The left bank of the Nistru River N=193 N=75 Nistru River N= 220 I do not even get enough for the bare ne- 28.8 31.5 5.5 cessities I only get to cover the bare necessities 35.8 33.9 46.2 I have enough for a decent living, but I can’t 24.7 24.7 35.0 afford to purchase more expensive goods I manage to buy some expensive goods, 4.3 4.3 7.0 but with some restrictions I manage to get everything I need, with- 1.2 3.4 2.7 out having to limit myself to anything I find it hard to answer 5.2 2.2 3.5

The Perspective of Women in Rural Areas on both Banks of the Nistru River / Sociological study 95 Table 8. Agreement of rural women to statements regarding compliance with the employment, per regions, %

The right bank of the Nistru The left bank of the Nistru The border area River River A child of preschool age has to suffer if the mother works In a very large extent 29.2 12.2 23.3 To a large extent 32.8 32.3 31.5 To a small extent 20.4 25.4 23.9 Not at all 13.5 14.9 9.6 A well-paid job is the best way for a woman to become/ feel like an independent person? In a very large extent 49.3 47.1 42.0 To a large extent 35.6 23.2 27.8 To a small extent 8.5 13.8 15.5 Not at all 4.5 2.6 3.9 The right for paternity leave for child care, offered to men through legislation, is a good way to involve men in the upbringing of children? In a very large extent 27.5 51.1 43.5 To a large extent 25.4 20.4 28.0 To a small extent 14.6 10.7 14.6 Not at all 24.4 1.7 3.2 Do men also benefit from the equality of women’s rights with men? In a very large extent 13.1 20.2 22.1 To a large extent 24.3 30.6 25.5 To a small extent 21.5 18.1 21.8 Not at all 28.5 11.7 14.3 Is it not good if the man stays at home and takes care of the children, while the woman goes to work? In a very large extent 47.8 33.3 30.2 To a large extent 32.5 19.8 23.1 To a small extent 9.8 23.8 21.0 Not at all 4.0 7.9 14.0

Table 9. Distribution of women who have suffered professionally because of the gender status, depending on the regions, %

The right bank of the Nistru River The left bank of the Nistru River Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, often sometimes often sometimes Has she ever been denied a right or the woman was treated unequally be- 5.0 30.2 1.3 23.2 cause of the fact that she is a woman Employment or growth in her professional career was undermined 5.0 20.0 1.1 18.0 because she is a woman