The International Labour Organization (ILO), through its project “Skills for an Environmentally Sustainable Transition in Moldova,” is empowering young women to lead the country’s green transition via the Girls4Green initiative. The program, funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) and the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED), engaged 31 girls aged 13 to 17 in the Girls4Green Boot Camp, where participants strengthened their understanding of climate change and explored career pathways in renewable energy, sustainable construction, and environmental innovation.
Developed in collaboration with EcoVisio and EcoVillage Moldova, the initiative targeted girls from across Moldova, including rural and vulnerable communities. It aimed to build confidence, broaden career aspirations, and encourage young women to see themselves as future leaders in the green economy. Participants took part in experiential activities such as the ‘Keep Cool’ climate simulation and discussions with female engineers and green entrepreneurs, which inspired them to imagine new possibilities for their professional futures.
The boot camp helped the participants gain a deeper understanding of green careers and the roles women can play in technology and environmental work. Many described the experience as “lifechanging,” motivating them to pursue environmental studies, adopt sustainable practices, and initiate projects within their communities. The program emphasized the importance of female role models, with ILO Project Coordinator Vera Chilari noting that seeing women lead in green jobs reshapes what girls believe is possible.
Feedback from the participants highlighted the program’s impact, with one girl calling it a “10+ experience” and another describing it as a “new beginning,” reinforcing the belief that young women can actively contribute to building a greener Moldova. Building on this success, the ILO and its partners plan to expand Girls4Green through longer training programs and vocational school study visits, aiming to motivate even more young women to envision and pursue careers in the green economy.
