Chișinău — May 28, 2026 — Moldova is taking significant steps to reshape the conditions that define women’s lives, with new initiatives that support childcare, family‑friendly workplaces, and opportunities in education and employment.
For many women, unpaid care remains a barrier to joining the workforce. In 2024, only 40 percent of women were employed compared to nearly 46 percent of men, while women spent almost twice as much time as men on unpaid work. With limited childcare options, especially for children under three, returning to work often felt impossible.
Through the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations partners, women like Anastasia have been empowered to open home‑based crèches, creating livelihoods and enabling parents to return to work. In 2025 alone, Moldova saw the opening of four crèches, three child‑friendly university spaces, and 12 family‑based centres, while 400 companies adopted family‑friendly workplace policies.
Campaigns such as Together We Grow have shifted mindsets, increasing uptake of maternity benefits by more than 50 percent in six months. National efforts now aim to enroll one in three children under three in early childcare by 2026, addressing urgent gaps in access.
Beyond childcare, Moldova is investing in the future. Girls like Nicoli, a 13‑year‑old STEM mentor, are inspiring peers to pursue science and technology. With women making up only 31 percent of the IT workforce and just 4.6 percent of young women choosing STEM studies, these initiatives are vital to building a more inclusive economy.
Through coordinated efforts in education, employment, and policy reform, Moldova is unlocking women’s potential, tackling labour shortages, and driving sustainable growth. The transformation reflects a broader vision: ensuring that every woman has the opportunity, confidence, and choice to shape her future.
