In Moldova’s Gagauz Autonomous Region, CMI was behind a December meeting that sought to strengthen women’s local participation in dialogue. The discussion highlighted the importance of inclusive, community-based approaches in politically and socially sensitive contexts.
Women leaders, civil society representatives, and public officials from Moldova’s Gagauz Autonomous Region met December 5th to explore how local dialogue can strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
‘Women in Peacebuilding Processes: The Role of Local Dialogue’ convened participants from local authorities, civil society, academia, the business community, media, and the security and development sectors.
Representatives of the Embassy of Sweden, the Platform for Security and Defense Initiatives (PISA), and CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation also took part.
CMI’s long-term engagement in Moldova
Since 2011, CMI has supported peacebuilding and dialogue in the Republic of Moldova, including engagement in the Transdniestrian settlement process and facilitation of dialogue between the central Government and the Gagauz Autonomy. CMI’s work focuses on confidence-building, informal mediation, and strengthening institutional dialogue in a setting which is marked by political, territorial, and ethnic sensitivities.
Building on this engagement, CMI has increasingly integrated gender equality and inclusion into its peacebuilding work in Moldova, in line with international commitments under the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda.
Strengthening women’s participation at the local level
The roundtable created a space for open dialogue on how women can contribute more effectively to peacebuilding and decision-making processes at local and regional levels. Discussions focused on identifying challenges, sharing experiences, and outlining practical steps to strengthen women’s participation in governance and conflict prevention.
Natalia Djandjgava, CMI Country Manager: “By engaging civil society, academia, and women, we ensure an inclusive approach that reflects the needs and voices of different groups.”
“For over 10 years, CMI has supported dialogue on Gagauzia,” said Natalia Djandjgava, CMI Country Manager. “Through this initiative promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda, we are expanding our work. Dialogue processes require the involvement of all actors in society, and by engaging civil society, academia, and women, we ensure an inclusive approach that reflects the needs and voices of different groups.”
Attending the event, the Mayor of Comrat, Serghei Anastasov, and the Mayor of Ceadir-Lunga, Anatoliy Topal, emphasised the importance of women’s participation in decision-making and the need to maintain dialogue at both local and national levels so that women’s voices are heard.
Strengthening cooperation and inclusive decision-making
The roundtable aimed to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation and create a common space for dialogue between local authorities, civil society, and experts. Participants discussed existing challenges, mapped ongoing initiatives, and identified a coherent set of actions to enhance women’s involvement in peacebuilding processes.
Tatiana Lungu, National Program Officer at the Embassy of Sweden in Chisinau, highlighted Sweden’s continued support for women in peacebuilding: “Sweden’s foreign policy is based on rights, representation, and resources. We are pleased to support this platform, strengthen women’s leadership, and expand their participation in public discussions and decision-making at the regional level.”
Participants made concrete plans for structures that mean women can contribute more effectively to peacebuilding and decision-making processes at local and regional levels.
Director of PISA Elena Marzac said: “Strengthening women’s participation in dialogue processes contributes to a better understanding of local challenges and the identification of sustainable solutions. Women make an impressive contribution to society, and together we are learning how to improve the communities we live in.”
Dialogue and gender equality at the core of CMI’s work
Promoting gender equality and inclusivity has been at the heart of CMI’s peacebuilding work globally and in Moldova. CMI recognises the indispensable role of women in building and sustaining peace and works to widen the political space for women’s meaningful participation in dialogue and decision-making processes.
Participants concluded the discussions with a set of shared recommendations, including the need to strengthen local capacities, improve institutional coordination, and create clear and accessible mechanisms for women’s participation in decision-making processes.
The roundtable was organised as part of a project called ‘The Role of Women in Peace Processes: Needs and Perspectives for Gagauzia’, which is implemented by PISA in partnership with CMI. It it part of a larger entity implemented by CMI and funded by Sweden, entitled ‘Supporting institutionalised and sustainable dialogue on Gagauz Autonomy’.
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