The report “Representation, power, and gender inequalities in the 2025 parliamentary elections” comprises an introduction, six analytical chapters, and a set of recommendations. The analysis indicates that recent crises have contributed to the reactivation of gender biases, with stereotypes related to the role of women in society increasing by over 14% in 2025.

The study analyses how gender stereotypes and prevailing social attitudes affect women’s effective participation in electoral processes, including their opportunities to access elected office and to be recognised by voters as legitimate political leaders.

The report includes a chapter examining the impact of local and global crises and a separate analysis of voter preferences. It also assesses trends in gender stereotypes among young people aged 18-29 and dedicates a distinct chapter to hate speech and sexist narratives in traditional media and on social media platforms. The findings underscore that such perceptions and practices significantly constrain women’s effective access to elected office.

The study was conducted by the Partnership for Development Center, with the support of UNDP Moldova, in partnership with UN Women Moldova, and funded by Norway, Canada, Sweden, and Denmark.