A delegation from the Republic of Moldova visited Estonia from 8 to 12 June 2026 to learn from the country’s experience in supporting families, expanding childcare services and promoting family-friendly employment policies. The study visit took place as Moldova works to strengthen policies that help parents balance professional and family life while reducing gender inequalities.
The exchange was facilitated by UNFPA under the project “Enhancing Women’s Resilience and Excellence through Quality, Inclusive and Family-Friendly Employment Opportunities,” funded by the Austrian Development Agency and implemented jointly with UN Women. The visit brought together representatives from Moldova’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, local public authorities, the National Employment Agency, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and civil society organisations.
The Moldovan delegation examined Estonia’s approach to childcare services, employment policies and workplace flexibility. Discussions focused on how public policies designed around people’s needs can improve quality of life, support families, expand care services and encourage greater participation of women in the labour market.
The visit was informed by findings from the 2024 Generations and Gender Survey, which showed that only 46 percent of parents with children under the age of two in Moldova are active in the labour market. Limited access to early childhood care services and unequal caregiving responsibilities remain major barriers to women’s economic participation.
One of the key areas explored during the visit was Estonia’s model for organising and financing early childhood education and care services. Moldovan participants paid particular attention to energy-efficient modular extensions used by Estonian local authorities to quickly expand nursery capacity. The lessons learned will support the development of three nursery facilities planned in Moldova under the project.
The delegation also studied Estonia’s digital tools for helping parents return to work after parental leave. Participants learned about digitalised employment services and reskilling programmes for people aged 55 and over, including initiatives managed by the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund to make services more accessible and efficient.
Another major focus was private sector engagement in promoting family-friendly workplaces. Meetings with the Estonian Association for Human Resource Management and companies such as Telia, Jysk and Bolt helped the Moldovan delegation explore certification mechanisms and workplace policies that support flexibility, inclusion and better work-life balance.
The programme included an official meeting with Estonia’s Ministry of Social Affairs, where opportunities for deeper cooperation in family policies and care services were discussed. Both countries highlighted the importance of people-centred policies in supporting families, strengthening demographic resilience and creating better conditions for women’s participation in the labour market.
UNFPA said the visit was an investment in Moldova’s institutional capacity to turn successful international practices into practical local solutions. The experience is expected to help Moldova adapt family-friendly policies to its national context and deliver direct benefits for parents, children, older persons and communities.
Through the study visit, Moldova and Estonia reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing family support policies, expanding childcare services, promoting gender equality and improving employment opportunities. The lessons from Estonia are expected to guide Moldova’s efforts to build more inclusive care systems and create stronger links between family wellbeing, women’s economic participation and sustainable development.
