Civil society organizations from the Republic of Moldova welcome the review of SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 17. While progress has been made, significant gaps remain in ensuring that sustainable development benefits all people equally.
A major challenge is the lack of comprehensive data disaggregated by sex, age, disability, ethnicity, including roma identity and geographic location. Without such data, inequalities remain hidden, and the commitment to leave no one behind cannot be effectively monitored.
Under SDG 6, access to safe water and sanitation remains unequal, particularly for rural communities, women, older persons and persons with disabilities. At the same time, concerns persist regarding water pollution and the environmental impact of intensive agricultural practices. We call for stronger monitoring of environmental impacts and greater investment in safe and affordable water services.
We also call on the Government to review the taxation of menstrual hygiene products and consider measures to make them more affordable and accessible. Menstrual health is a matter of public health, gender equality and human dignity, not a luxury. The cost of menstrual products disproportionately affects women and girls, particularly those from low-income households, rural communities and other vulnerable groups. Limited access to these essential products can negatively impact health, education, participation in public life and overall well-being.
For SDGs 9 and 11, infrastructure, innovation and urban development must become more inclusive and accessible. Women, girls, persons with disabilities, Roma Communities and other marginalized groups continue to face barriers in accessing safe public spaces, transportation and services. Sustainable communities require planning that responds to the needs of all residents.
Regarding SDG 17, meaningful partnerships are essential. However, local civil society organizations, particularly women-led organizations and service providers supporting survivors of violence, continue to face limited access to decision-making processes and sustainable public funding.
Recognizing and addressing antigypsyism, ensuring the meaningful participation of Roma women-led organizations are essential for achieving the SDGs. Sustainable domestic funding mechanisms should be strengthened to enable these organizations to contribute effectively to social inclusion, gender equality and community development.
Negative stereotypes, discrimination and limited representation of Roma communities, particularly Roma women, reduce their ability to participate equally in partnerships, access resources and influence public policies. Addressing antigypsyism should therefore be recognized as an essential component of inclusive and effective partnerships under SDG 17.
Questions to the Government
- Given the persistent gaps in disaggregated data, how will the Government strengthen the institutional mechanism for gender equality, including the Government Commission for Equality between Women and Men and relevant line ministries, to ensure coordinated monitoring, collection and public reporting of disaggregated by sex, age, disability, ethnicity, including Roma identity where relevant, and geography across all SDGs?
- What measures is the Government taking to strengthen the legislative and policy framework for subsidizing green energy investments by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and households,and how will it ensure that women-led businesses, rural and Roma communities, and vulnerable households have equitable access to these support mechanisms?
- What concrete steps will the Government take to establish sustainable domestic financing mechanisms for civil society organizations, including a corporate tax designation scheme, in order to strengthen democratic resilience, civic participation and inclusive partnerships necessary for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?
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