Moldova's #SheSupplies Conference Boosts Gender Equality

The second annual national conference, "#SheSupplies: Economic empowerment of women by promoting gender-responsive procurement," took place on October 20, 2023, in a groundbreaking gathering of over 100 decision-makers, business representatives, and industry leaders committed to fostering gender equality.

The conference, organized by UN Women Moldova with financial support from Sweden, focused on the Women's Empowerment Principles and dug into the vital topic of gender-responsive procurement practices throughout the value chain.

Notably, the conference's effect went beyond talks to a Women Local Producers' Fair, entitled "Local. Natural. Sustainable," which took place as part of the Regional Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2023 on October 21st and 22nd.

The conference provided a forum for corporate leaders to learn about gender-responsive procurement, network with industry experts, and explore collaborations. The emphasis this year was on Principle No. 5: Implement Enterprise Development, Supply Chain, and Marketing Models that Empower Women.

Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova's Country Representative, highlighted the beneficial impact of gender-responsive procurement on profit and investment returns at the event. The event was sponsored by key parties, including Moldova's Parliament, government entities, and the Swedish Embassy, displaying a collaborative commitment to furthering gender equality.

Following the seminar, the Women Local Producers' Fair in Chișinău included almost 100 female entrepreneurs selling a variety of products ranging from traditional things to delightful snacks. Marina Morozova, a Member of the Moldovan Parliament, emphasized the necessity of incorporating women in the procurement chain, while Katarina Fried, Sweden's Ambassador to Moldova, emphasized the relevance of gender-responsive procurement in promoting Moldova's EU admission.

The Women's Entrepreneurship EXPO 2023, supported by the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, the Embassy of Sweden, and the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, emphasized the need of working together to empower women entrepreneurs and close gender disparities in the economic landscape.