By including unpaid domestic and care work in national and international statistics, policymakers can better understand its real value and contribution to economies and societies. Historically, this work—largely carried out by women and girls—was systematically undervalued in official statistics due to the design of national labour force surveys. Recognizing this gap, a breakthrough came in 2013 when unpaid domestic and care work was incorporated alongside paid work in labour force surveys, though practical implementation remained challenging, particularly in measuring how people allocate their time.
In response, the International Labour Organization (ILO) launched a programme in 2018 to develop practical tools and survey modules for integrating unpaid domestic and care work into existing labour force surveys. The initiative provided model questionnaires, national adaptation guides, implementation toolkits, as well as training and technical support to participating countries.
Moldova became one of the first countries to adopt the light time-use module within its Labour Force Survey (LFS). This approach is cost-effective, reduces respondent burden, and allows for richer analysis by linking unpaid work data with broader labour force statistics. With ILO assistance, Moldova’s National Bureau of Statistics adapted the model questionnaire to the national context, designed the survey methodology, pilot tested and refined the module, and developed training materials and interviewer guides.
The survey, launched in July 2025 and running through December 2025, covers a representative sample of approximately 10,000 households. Data is collected via face-to-face interviews using tablet-based devices (Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing – CAPI). Results, expected in June 2026, will provide essential information on the proportion of time men and women dedicate to unpaid domestic and care work, supporting Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and Moldova’s national gender equality programme, as well as the “European Moldova 2030” strategy.
Unpaid domestic and care work makes a substantial contribution to Moldova’s economy. Globally, if it were compensated, it would account for roughly 9% of global GDP. Women and girls perform more than 75% of this work, limiting their opportunities for paid employment and participation in public life. Combining this data with employment statistics reveals gender disparities and quantifies the economic value of unpaid work, helping governments design more effective and targeted policies that recognize and support the care economy.
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