Childcare innovations empower Moldova's families and economy

This gap affects early childhood development and limits parents’—especially women’s—economic opportunities, contributing to systemic gender inequalities and hindering national growth.

In Moldova, only 15% of children under three are enrolled in preschool education, leaving many families without viable caregiving solutions. Women, who disproportionately shoulder caregiving responsibilities, often exit the workforce, with over 53% of women aged 25–34 economically inactive due to family duties. The poverty rate for households with three or more children stands at 42.1%, highlighting the socioeconomic impact of limited childcare services.

The lack of a sufficient number of affordable early education and care services for children is a major obstacle to women's employment in Moldova, where the participation rate in early education and care services for children aged 0 to 2 years was 10 percent in 2021/22, compared to the EU27 average of 32 percent.

Recognizing the urgent need for a change, the United Nations in Moldova, including ILO, UN Women, UNFPA, and UNDP, and its partners, have joined efforts and implemented diverse, innovative initiatives to address these challenges. Efforts range from creating home-based daycare services to opening child-friendly spaces in workplaces and public institutions.

Home-Based Daycare Services

Supported by ILO, pioneers like Mariana Grigorenco have established home-based daycare services, such as Micul Odoraș the first daycare for small children in Moldova. These initiatives provide safe, nurturing environments for up to five children, enabling parents—particularly women—to return to work. Over 20 caregivers were trained to ensure high-quality care while creating new jobs, under the new legislation, that offers parents the opportunity to opt for employer-organized childcare services at the workplace, individualized childcare services, or alternative family-type childcare services.

Childcare centers and child-friendly spaces at work

The Moldova’s National Public Security Inspectorate (NPSI) was among the first state institution to inaugurate a child-friendly room in its Chisinau office in 2024 with UN Women support. Designed as a safe and engaging space for employees' children, this initiative represents a significant step in promoting work-life balance within the police force.

In addition, with UN Women, in collaboration with national and local authorities and partners three other new childcare centers were opened in northern Moldova, located in Sîngerei, Rîșcani, and Glodeni supporting 60 families, enabling them to better balance their personal and professional lives.

Credit: UN Women Moldova

Similarly, nine territorial offices of the National Employment Agency and four mayoral offices were supported by UNDP to establish child-friendly spaces. These areas cater to children accompanying their parents, whether the parents are employees or individuals accessing public services, ensuring a supportive environment for families.

An inspiring example from the private sector is Panilino, one of the first private companies to open a play and leisure area for employees' young children with support from UNFPA. This initiative enabled mothers and fathers to return to work sooner if they choose, offering a practical solution to childcare challenges while fostering employee well-being and productivity.

Credit: UNFPA Moldova. Child-friendly space at Panilino.

Online platform dedicated to alternative childcare services in Moldova 

The online portal serviciialternative.gov.md portal, launched with UNDP support, very soon became an essential resource for thousands of families, offering reliable and accessible information to meet their childcare needs.

The platform provides detailed updates on available childcare services, alongside a wealth of valuable resources. These include insights into current legislation, practical guides for implementing services, and crucial information tailored for parents and employers. 

Investing in Childcare: Building an Inclusive and Sustainable Future for Moldova

The introduction of these new childcare services has brought significant benefits to families and communities in Moldova. Women who were previously unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities have re-entered the workforce, contributing to their family incomes and the nation’s economic growth. Children enrolled in structured programs have shown marked improvements in cognitive and social skills, laying a strong foundation for their future development. These initiatives have also fostered stronger community ties, as local collaborations have supported the creation of sustainable childcare services. 

According to the International Labour Organization investments in childcare could create over 116,000 jobs in Moldova by 2030, with nearly 29,000 in childcare alone. These initiatives are more than solutions—they are investments in Moldova’s sustainable development, promoting gender equality, economic growth, and the well-being of future generations, leaving no one and no where behind.