In the village of Peresecina, real change has taken shape through open dialogue, determination and European support. This is the story of Valentina Buzu, a woman mayor who challenged expectations, earned trust, and helped her community move forward — proving that leadership rooted in listening can transform a village.
When Valentina Buzu first took office, the doubts were visible. Peresecina had always been led by men, and many residents questioned whether a woman could manage major infrastructure projects or guide the village’s development. “Those early days were full of uncertainty,” she recalls. “People were watching closely, unsure whether I could truly make a difference.”
What helped her move past those doubts was a simple but powerful approach: transparency and communication. From the very beginning, Mayor Buzu shared plans openly with residents, discussed priorities and listened carefully to their concerns. “I wanted people to feel heard — and to know that we were building something together.”
One of the first issues raised by the community was water supply. Working hand in hand with residents, the local administration tackled the problem collectively, speeding up solutions and strengthening trust. That cooperation soon became the foundation for broader development efforts.
Over time, tangible results began to speak for themselves. The roof of “Alexandru Donici” High School was repaired, the sports hall renovated, and the school itself became part of the national model schools network — ensuring that children could access quality education without leaving the village. Major infrastructure upgrades followed: a new well was built, the old water treatment plant modernised, 18 kilometres of sewage pipes laid, and more than 10 kilometres of concrete roads repaired.
A crucial role in this progress was played by support from the European Union, provided under its EU4Business initiative and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Through this partnership, Peresecina gained access not only to funding and equipment for sanitation and infrastructure projects, but also to something equally important: skills.
“What made the biggest difference was the training of our city hall staff,” Valentina Buzu explains. “Strong local skills mean projects last longer and are managed better. That support has helped us grow sustainably.”
By joining the Mayors for Economic Growth (M4EG) network, Mayor Buzu gained access to European best practices in areas such as energy efficiency, urban planning and local economic development. Training introduced modern planning tools, including urban land-use visualisation methods, helping the municipality develop stronger, future-oriented projects.
“Through M4EG, our perspective widened,” she says. “The expectations from residents increased, but so did our capacity to respond.”
Today, Peresecina is a village where people see progress — and where trust in local leadership has grown. Initiatives supporting families, such as nursery groups in kindergartens and after-school programmes at the community centre, have helped parents return to work knowing their children are safe and close to home. These measures are particularly important for women, opening opportunities for employment and community engagement.
Valentina Buzu’s journey has also reshaped attitudes towards women in leadership. During her campaign, she faced scepticism and harmful stereotypes. “People said: What can this young woman do?” she recalls. “Now, those doubts are gone.” Instead, she sees more women stepping forward, inspired by the idea that if one woman can lead, others can too.
Despite the challenges — lack of resources and difficult decisions — Mayor Buzu remains committed to public service. Her motivation comes from problem-solving, teamwork and the belief that leadership means responsibility towards people, especially the most vulnerable.
“People always come first,” Valentina Buzu says. “That is a lesson I am reminded of every single day — both in my role as mayor and as someone who truly loves this village.”
Her story is a powerful example of how local leadership, combined with EU4Business support, can strengthen communities, empower women and bring lasting change — even in small villages.
