Chisinau - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Women have more rights here than in the U.S. in some respects, including a longer paid maternity leave. There are prejudices and ethnic differences, but I don’t understand all the nuances. - Sep 2023
There aren't a lot of Roma around, but I've not heard good things being said about them. There seems to be tension between the local ethnic groups, especially a subtle division between Romanian Moldovans and Russians / Russophone Moldovans, and also a bit towards the Gagauz (Turkish-speaking Orthodox Christians, live in the southern part of the country). This is mostly limited to politics and the occasional snide remark. Gender equality is a work in progress. It's still a pretty traditional society with regard to gender issues, especially once you get outside Chisinau. That said, there are no problems with women working, driving, wearing pants, or anything like that. - Apr 2019
No, Moldovans are pretty progressive in the way they think. They think on a global scale as they are Europeans and proud of it. - Feb 2014
In addition to other posters' comments about the Roma, I would add that those of African descent do tend to stand out here, and they do get stared at (although not openly harassed, to my knowledge). There was also recently quite vociferous opposition to the building of a mosque. - Aug 2011
Moldova is overwhelmingly white and Eastern Orthodox. People of color mat be confused with Roma, a group against which there can be shocking levels of racism. Men and women do play more obviously different roles in society. In some business settings, a man walking into a room will shake the hands of all of the other men, but walk past women. This is more true in rural areas, but can be seen in Chisinau as well. - May 2010
People of color can have some problems from time to time. - Mar 2010
