From Community to Leadership: The Story of Lilia Savin – the Woman Helping Transform the World of Work

In the trade union movement of the Republic of Moldova, one such person is Lilia Savin, Vice President of the Women’s Committee of the National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) and President of the Ungheni Territorial Branch of the Education and Science Trade Union. These roles keep her constantly active and present — engaged in training, community dialogue, women’s initiatives, and everything that defines a dynamic and meaningful trade union movement.

Lilia does not often speak about her personal life because, as she says, it would take an entire book. But what she does share is enough to understand her strength. Her father taught her to test her limits and never give up on her goals. From him she inherited patience, creativity, and courage. And her son has reminded her, time and again over the years, that her voice matters — not only within their family, but also for the women in her community who rely on guidance and support.

People need more than legal solutions — they need safety and someone who listens

Lilia’s journey began in education. She studied pedagogy and psychology, taught, trained, and provided counselling. Later, she expanded her expertise with studies in labour legislation, organizational management, communication and personal development, while integrating alternative approaches such as therapeutic dance and meditation. All of this helped her better understand the complex world of work, where workers’ protection is inseparable from dignity, safety and well-being. She learned that people do not need only legal solutions — they need to feel safe and heard.

“I deeply believe in the power of community and in the role each individual plays in transforming a system. Everything I do stems from the desire to create a safer, more equitable and more conscious environment — for both workers and the leaders I represent,” Lilia says.

Her entry into the trade union movement came from a sense of responsibility toward those who are not heard. Many of these people are women juggling multiple roles every day, who can become invisible or vulnerable without proper support.

One story that has stayed with her is that of a woman working to the point of exhaustion, under constant pressure and threats of losing her job. Lilia recalls with emotion how legal support, solidarity and dialogue transformed that woman’s fear into confidence, and her vulnerability into regained dignity. “That was when I understood once again how vital our work is,” she recalls.

Through partnerships, closer to the women who need a strong voice

As Vice President of the CNSM Women’s Committee, Lilia plays an active role in developing programmes for women workers and strengthening networks of support. In recent years, this work has been amplified through the partnership between CNSM and the International Labour Organization (ILO), focused on promoting workers’ protection, equal opportunities and social dialogue.

In the municipality of Ungheni — one of the country’s six growth poles — Lilia is directly involved in implementing concrete initiatives in early childhood care. Through a comprehensive ILO project, services for children under three years old were mapped, and practical solutions identified to diversify and improve access to childcare. As part of these efforts, a nursery group was established within a local kindergarten, and opportunities were created for the development of family-based childcare services. More than 30 women have benefited from specialized training, and 12 of them received grants to launch mini-nurseries, helping mothers return to the labour market and contributing to the local economy.

Support for parents: a new initiative with community-level impact

Also in Ungheni, with ILO support, CNSM recently launched the initiative “Returning Together – Mentoring for a New Professional Start”, dedicated to parents returning to work after parental leave. Coordinated locally by Lilia Savin and implemented at the Inclusive Early Education Institution “Guguță,” the project offers personalized mentoring, thematic workshops and updated information on the rights of working parents.

“After a long period of parental leave, many parents face challenges related to adaptation, emotional balance or professional confidence. Through this initiative, we aim to offer them concrete support and to show that the union is a reliable partner in every stage of their professional life,” Lilia explains.

Changing mindsets — a challenge that requires time, patience and community

Changing mindsets remains the greatest challenge. But Lilia approaches it systematically: through training, counselling and dialogue. She has contributed to projects, campaigns and educational programmes that help women know their rights, get involved, become leaders and trust their own strength.

Today, she is working on the development of a Professional Training Centre — a long-term project that will strengthen the skills of trade union leaders and enhance the capacities of organizations in the education sector. It is her way of investing in people, in communities and in the future.

In parallel, she maintains her own balance through meditation, therapeutic dance and time spent in nature — “you cannot support others if you don’t take care of yourself,” she says.

When asked what surprises people about her, she smiles: “My gentleness. No one expects someone so calm to make such firm decisions.” But perhaps it is precisely this combination that makes her an authentic leader.