Economic crises affects young people in Moldova

Moldova is one of the youngest countries in Europe. 25% of country population are young people, therefore the economic crises affect them directly. Youth unemployment is three times higher (7.12%) than the unemployment among adults (2.95%). Adolescent boys and girls are exposed to risky behaviours and have limited knowledge and access to quality healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health.

Presenting the findings of the Barometer, Olga Gagauz, Head of the Demographic Research Centre said that the economic challenges and uncertainties on the labour market in 1994-2014 in Moldova was one of the main factors that reduced the desires of the families and women to have children, especially among young families.

Another impact of the 1994-2014 economic crises was the increasing mortality rate by 44% among men and 30% among women. Therefore, one of the main solution for reducing the mortality rate in Moldova is to ensure the access of young women, adolescent boys and girls, and vulnerable population to quality healthcare services, including to sexual and reproductive health services, and to promote the healthy lifestyle.

At the same time, the financial and economic crises in the past 10 years in Moldova contributed to increasing emmigration rate, especially among young people. "The number of Moldovans who emigrate for a period over 12 months fluctuates between 45 and 50 thousand people per year, most of them being young people", said Tatiana Tabac, the co-author of the research. By preventing illegal labour migration, we can help young girls to avoid unnecessary risks and to realise their potential in the country.

Rita Columbia, UNFPA Representative in Moldova declared that the economic crises have a direct impact on the population dynamics in Moldova. According to UNFPA, teenage girls around the world face more and greater challenges in these circumstances than their male counterparts. "Investments in health, including sexual and reproductive health, education and empowerment of young people will help them to realize their rights, thus contributing to the economic growth of the country", said the UNFPA Representative.

Stela Grigoraş, Minister of Labour, Social Protection and Family said: “The sustainable development and well-being of any country depends on its human capital. Therefore the Ministry has a priority to improve indicators of demographic security of the Republic of Moldova”.

A set of recommendations related to mitigating the impact of economic crisis on the population dynamics in Moldova were proposed based on the Demographic Barometer findings, among which the necessity of investment in young people, especially teenage girls. Young people should benefit from their rights to sexual and reproductive health. Empowerment of adolescent girls along with investments of the Government in young people are the key for a human-centered approach in addressing population dynamics. This will ensure that the people in Moldova fully enjoy their rights and realise their potential at home.

NOTE: The World Population Day, established in 1989 by the United Nations and celebrated on 11 July each year, aims to raise awareness on global population issues in a world where there are over 7 billion people. The theme of World Population Day 2016 (# WPD2016) is investing in teenage girls.