#TogetherWeGrow: Moldova invests in women’s futures through childcare services

#TogetherWeGrow is a UN Women Moldova campaign to promote child-friendly care services for 0–3-year-olds. Run in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, it is supported by the European Union, Sweden, and the Swiss Cooperation Office.

In the Republic of Moldova, insufficient childcare infrastructure for children under three poses a significant challenge to work-life balance, particularly for women aspiring to professional advancement. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova, women represent only 49.8% of the employed active population, and 55.7% of inactive mothers cite caregiving responsibilities as the main reason for not participating in the workforce. Furthermore, the gender pay gap averages 15.6%, with even wider disparities in certain sectors.

"Without accessible, quality childcare services, women are forced to choose between family and career, perpetuating gender inequalities. Strategic investments in social infrastructure, such as childcare services, are essential for a fair society and a resilient economy," said Yesim Oruc, UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova.

This situation directly affects women’s participation in the labour market. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, only 12.7% of children under three benefit from childcare services, compared to 88% of children under six who are enrolled in pre-school education. There is a striking disparity between rural and urban areas: 76% of families in rural areas lack access to childcare services, compared to 39% in urban areas.

In 2023, to address this issue, UN Women Moldova launched the National Programme for Childcare Services for Children under 3, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and with the support of development partners. The programme aims to increase access to early childcare services for families and create a supportive environment for parents, particularly mothers, to return to the labour market.

"Expanding public nursery groups and developing childcare services is essential to supporting young families, particularly mothers who wish to return to work and balance career and family life successfully. The employment rate of women with preschool-aged children remains low, and the solution lies in expanding care infrastructure by creating new nurseries, kindergartens, and alternative services," said Alexei Buzu, Minister of Labour and Social Protection.

The programme's achievements include the renovation and equipping of 12 nursery groups in Chișinău, Sângerei, Glodeni, Râșcani, Ungheni, Cahul, and Căușeni by UN Women, as well as the creation of three child-friendly rooms in public institutions in Chișinău. Total investments in these initiatives, carried out between 2023 and 2024, exceeded USD 90,000.

"This project is a key pillar of UN Women’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for families in Moldova. The results achieved so far demonstrate the positive impact of investing in childcare services, which offer parents — especially mothers — the opportunity to balance professional and family life. Soon, we plan to equip three more nursery groups and two additional child-friendly rooms, thereby contributing to a more accessible and supportive care system. Our goal is to support families and promote equal opportunities for women and men," said Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova Country Representative.

UN Women continues to support the development of an inclusive and equitable economy, in which women have equal access to job opportunities and can contribute actively to the country’s economic and social progress.

The #TogetherWeGrow campaign is organised by UN Women in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in support of the National Programme Childcare Services for Children Aged up to 3, and has received financial support from the European Union through the EVOLVE4GE project, from Sweden, and from the Swiss Cooperation Office through the Women for Peace and Prosperity project.