Moldovan women work 41 days for free as wage gap widens
Women in Moldova work an average of 41 days annually without compensation due to the gender pay gap. By 2025, this disparity reached a historic high of 16.6%.
The Center for Partnership for Development (CPD) released these figures during the 2025 Wage Inequality Index launch. The data highlights a deepening crisis in labor equity.
For every leu earned by a man, a woman receives only 83 bani. With an average male salary of 13,000 MDL (approx. €665), women earn only 10,842 MDL.
This monthly deficit exceeds €110. Annually, the gap amounts to approximately 34,500 MDL (approx. €1,765), representing nearly two full average monthly salaries.
The CPD demonstrated the impact of this loss through everyday costs. This amount would cover electricity bills for three years or 43 months of essential childcare supplies.
Public opinion remains divided on the cause. While some citizens cite career choices, others point to the "motherhood penalty" and limited promotion opportunities for women.
Experts warn that without legislative intervention, the gap will widen further. The Equality Council recommends mandatory salary transparency in job advertisements to combat the trend.
National Bureau of Statistics data confirms a steady decline in parity. The gap rose from 13.6% in 2022 to the current 16.6%, signaling a significant economic setback for women.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
