Gender equality is a fundamental principle of the European Union, enshrined in national legislation, and is one of the policy objectives in the field of research and innovation. In 2019, the Government of the Republic of Moldova approved the “National Program in the Fields of Research and Innovation for 2020-2023 and the Action Plan for its Implementation”. Neither the National Program nor the Action Plan provide for concrete measures to ensure the full and effective participation of women in science and research, as well as equal opportunities for occupying leadership positions at all levels of the decision-making process in research institutions.

On the other hand, general statistical data show that the share of women with scientific degrees in education slightly exceeds that of men (55% and, respectively, 45%). A careful analysis of the Register of Researchers held by ANCD by research fields nevertheless reveals a gender gap in fields such as technologies, physical sciences and engineering, where the share of men is over 90%. Even in socio-humanistic fields, a similar situation is observed, such as, for example, in historical sciences. We can state that the traditional attitude towards the role of women in society and family is an important barrier to their advancement on the hierarchical scale in the STEM field. For this reason, the most important positions go to men.

The lowest share of women is recorded, regrettably, among the members of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, a public institution of national interest that brings together personalities with outstanding achievements in the fields of research and innovation. Thus, the share of women among the members of the ASM is 8.6% (5 out of the total of 58 members), and among the full members (academicians) of the ASM - only 5.3% (2 out of the total of 38 full members).

It is known that gender diversity within the boards of directors of both research centers and universities can bring innovative ideas, increase competitiveness and performance for better corporate governance in the respective fields. The existence of more women in leadership positions has demonstrated to the outside world more than once that an entity, whether public or private, research or academic, understands the complexity of the sectors and can compete globally.

Keywords: women participation, research, innovation, national programs, policies.