Supporting Women and Girls Affected by the Ukraine Refugee Crisis in Moldova

The war in Ukraine has left over 15.7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including 7.1 million IDPs. Since February 2022, over 658,800 Ukrainians ¹ and third country nationals have fled into the Republic of Moldova, out of which over 96,000 have remained in the country. Out of these 92% are women and children and 21% are elderly. By the end of 2023, the number of refugees in Moldova is expected to reach 200,000 and an additional 700,000 refugees are expected to transit through towards EU countries. An additional 120,000 Moldovans from host communities are expected to be directly affected.

The humanitarian situation has impacted individuals and communities in distinct ways, depending on their sex, age, disability, minority status among other variables. The Moldovan Government and civil society have responded generously to refugees from Ukraine, in the face of soaring inflation, a severe energy crisis, and growing food and fuel insecurity. As the conflict moves into its second year, sustained support is required for both immediate humanitarian assistance as well as to promote socio-economic resilience and integration among refugees and the vulnerable host populations, and to promote peacebuilding.

UN Women in Moldova is providing gender-responsive multi-sectoral services to individuals and communities most affected by the crisis in partnership with the Government, UN agencies, and specialized CSOs, in the framework of the Ukraine Refugee Response Plan 2023. This includes ensuring that refugee women, girls, men and boys have access to relevant, quality humanitarian assistance and support regardless of their sex, age, ability or status, and that their distinct needs, priorities and capacities are considered. It also involves assisting host communities who play an active role in welcoming and supporting refugees.