The Generations and Gender Study (Wave II) confirms this aspiration: most Moldovans say that 2–3 children is the perfect number. Yet reality paints a different picture. In 2024, the country’s total fertility rate stood at just 1.66 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability.This gap between dreams and reality is shaped by economic hardship, high costs of raising children, and limited access to housing and family support services. Against this backdrop, Serghei and Emilia Crețu have built a life together over 16 years, raising three children—Daria (15), Damian (13), and Nicolae (10)—and proving that resilience and shared responsibility can turn aspirations into reality.They met as students, united by a passion for music, and both graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences at the State University of Moldova. Emilia pursued a career in communications, while Serghei’s path was more varied—vocalist, sales consultant, bank officer, and now geotechnical engineer.“All three children were planned, wanted, and awaited,” Emilia recalls. “They changed our lives, made us more mature and stronger.” Serghei adds: “We wanted four children but stopped at three due to health issues and the high costs of raising a child. Each pregnancy was a conscious decision we made together.”Their approach to family life is rooted in equality. Serghei is actively involved in household chores, schoolwork, and playtime. “It’s important for a father to be present, to show that family is a shared responsibility,” he says. This philosophy has shaped their children, who are encouraged to take part in daily tasks and decisions, learning responsibility and collaboration from an early age.Evenings are special in the Crețu household. After dinner, the family gathers on the carpet to sing or share stories. “These moments connect us the most,” Emilia explains. “Children need to know their parents are there, available and attentive.”Yet, like many young families in Moldova, they face challenges: modest salaries, rising expenses, and limited state support. “We were lucky to inherit a house from our grandparents,” Serghei admits. “Otherwise, I don’t know how we would have managed. Housing prices are enormous compared to incomes, and bank loans are hard to bear for families with many children.”The numbers reflect their struggle. In 2024, Moldova registered 23,648 births, compared to over 38,000 two decades ago. The average age of mothers at first birth has increased by 1.5 years compared to 2023, showing that families are postponing parenthood. Combined with mass migration and population aging, the demographic outlook is stark: according to UN forecasts released in 2024, Moldova could lose nearly one-third of its population by 2050 if policies are not revised.Experts argue that solutions must include social housing, affordable loans, access to quality healthcare and education, and family-friendly policies that help parents balance work and family life. UNFPA Moldova has supported such measures for 30 years, advocating for flexible work programs, shared parental leave, and expanded childcare facilities.For Serghei and Emilia, the greatest wish is for their children to build their future at home. “Our country has huge potential,” Serghei says. “We would be happy if our children found reasons to remain here, close to us.”Their story shows that raising three children in Moldova is not only about responsibility—it is about joy, meaning, and resilience. “Children are the greatest gift of our lives,” Emilia reflects. “Looking back, we know every step was worth it.”

For over a decade, she taught English and German in Chișinău, but the thought of returning home never left her. With the support of the European Union, provided through the Confidence Building Measures Programme implemented by UNDP Moldova, Elena equipped the school with the necessary equipment and furniture. "I started working while I was still in college. I always told myself that one day I would return home to my town," Elena says.There was no language school in Dubăsari. There were only occasional private lessons, taught by a few teachers at home or in schools. Elena wanted more for the young people in the area: a modern and interactive learning environment."I opened this school thanks to European Union funding. That's the only way I was able to get the business off the ground," says Elena. She received ergonomic furniture and interactive whiteboards, as well as mentoring to get the school up and running."I got answers to every question. I learned on the fly how to attract customers and grow my business. I started with 25 students. I remember the first days, I was nervous but full of hope. Now, after a year, we have over 80 students enrolled in courses," Elena says proudly.The school offers English and Romanian language courses and German courses will also be offered later. "We have over 20 students, both adults and children, learning Romanian. Among them are Ukrainians, foreigners settled in the region, but also locals who did not know Romanian and who are now able to communicate and integrate better," adds the young entrepreneur. So far, the school has created three stable jobs, and one of the teachers, who was planning to move to Chișinău in search of a better job, has decided to stay in Dubăsari.Elena's project is about hope, about building bridges between people, about providing equal opportunities regardless of where you live. In an ever-changing world, the ability to speak multiple languages opens doors – to education, to better jobs, to better understanding between diverse communities.The language school that opened a year ago in Dubăsari has become a dynamic space where children come with enthusiasm, adults return with confidence, and teachers find the motivation to contribute to a more united community."I want my students to have the same opportunities as those in big cities or outside the country. Education should not be a luxury, but a right for all," says Elena.By supporting small and medium-sized businesses, the European Union Confidence Building Measures Programme, implemented by UNDP, contributes to the creation of economic opportunities on both banks of the Nistru River.

135 km from Chișinău, in the village of Tudora, the mayor demonstrates every day that women can be strong leaders who mobilize resources and communities, implementing initiatives that transform the locality or even save lives. For her first term, 53-year-old Veronica Mocan is actively involved in solving the community's most pressing problems through inclusive policies, modernization projects, and care for people.  "This morning, our team intervened to rescue three people who were involved in a car accident at the entrance of Tudora. They participated in the extrication and provided first aid until the arrival of the 112 Service team from Ștefan Vodă. And two weeks ago, they rescued a family with seven children from a fire and quickly extinguished the flames, thus minimizing material damage," says the mayor. "They were very lucky that we have a volunteer fire station right here in the village," she emphasizes. These rapid interventions are the result of investments made in the local volunteer fire station, where both men and women work. Last year, the Tudora village Council won a project funded by Switzerland, with the funds being directed towards rebuilding the roof of the fire station. The work cost the council 315,000 lei, 88% of which was provided by the project. "The deplorable condition of the roof did not allow us to have a functional fire service. Thanks to this funding from Switzerland, today the station is covered, protecting both the fire truck and equipment, as well as the team," explained the mayor while presenting the renovations.   Mayor of Tudora, Veronica Mocan, with one of the local volunteer firefighting teams. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women MoldovaThe reconstruction of the roof of the Tudora fire station is part of a broader project aimed at strengthening gender-responsive governance, policies, and budgeting “Women’s Leadership for Gender-Responsive Governance,” through which local initiatives received financial support. The initiative is implemented in partnership with Congress of Local Authorities from Moldova (CALM) as part of the “Women for Peace and Prosperity” project, implemented by UN Women and funded by the Government of Switzerland. The presence of a fire department in the locality provides greater safety and prompt response in emergency situations. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women MoldovaIn addition to the renovation works, the project proposal developed by the city hall under the coordination of Veronica Mocan also highlighted the involvement of women in the station’s activities. “Within the Service, we also have three women volunteers who contribute just as much as the men volunteers to the safety of our locality,” the mayor explained, emphasizing that women can have a significant contribution even in fields traditionally perceived as masculine. “We support one another and do everything together. I believe that women can express themselves in all fields,” said Svetlana Grigoroi, a refugee from Ukraine who joined the Service as a volunteer. Svetlana Grigoroi is a refugee from Ukraine and works with the Tudora Volunteer Fire Station. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women Moldova.With more than 16 years of experience in the social sector as an NGO administrator, Veronica Mocan has always been driven by a desire to improve people’s lives, regardless of their gender, ethnic background, or health status. This close connection to community needs also motivated her to take part actively in trainings on inclusion and gender equality, organized with the support of UN Women and CALM, including those dedicated to the CALM Women Mayors’ Network. "Thanks to the training I participated in, I learned how to integrate a gender perspective into our local policies and strategic plans. We also developed a gender-sensitive budget," the mayor pointed out. When asked for concrete examples, Veronica Mocan spoke about the initiative to renovate the building of a former school and transform it into a sports hall adapted to the specific needs and requests of both girls and boys. “Initially, only one sports hall for boys was planned, but after our intervention and consultations with the young people in the community, both girls and boys, we modified the project so that we would have two halls and ensure equal access to sports activities,” she explained. For the local administration, the involvement of the civil society is another key element. Youth groups, the elderly, the diaspora, and local associations actively contribute to community life. "CSOs are the engine of change in the locality. They flag problems, monitor implementation, and help us carry out our annual activities," said the elected official. At the same time, the mayor notes with regret that violence against women and children remains widespread in rural areas. A multidisciplinary team operates at the local level, and cases are closely monitored. “Unfortunately, we also have cases of violence in our locality. Children suffer the most,” says Veronica Mocan, emphasizing that the lack of financial resources and the stigma surrounding abuse are the main barriers preventing survivors from seeking help. This is why, among the mayor’s future plans, lies the construction of a shelter for women and children who faced violence. “I would very much like people affected by violence to understand that their physical and mental health is more important than what others may say. In the discussions we have with women and girls in the community, we always encourage them to report any form of abuse,” she added. Being in a public position, she herself has faced violence, receiving mostly derogatory comments and messages. Although she has learned to deal with such situations, she says that violence, including violence against women in politics, must never be tolerated and should be sanctioned every time. She also notes that stereotypes persist, such as the belief that women cannot perform as well as men in leadership roles. But, she observes a gradual shift in attitudes, as she is treated with respect by the majority of local residents. "Even when there is dissatisfaction, I don't take it as criticism, but rather as a suggestion for improvement and intervention on our part." Veronica Mocan's extensive experience in the social field helps her to better understand the problems of the community and to come up with measures tailored to the specific needs of people in her locality. Photo: Natalia Ciobanu/UN Women Moldova.Despite the challenges that come with serving as mayor, she considers herself fortunate to have the support of her husband and family, where she finds understanding and a sense of security. “I have eight children, of whom I am very proud, and a loving husband who helps me succeed in everything I do,” she says.  Her leadership and diplomatic skills have helped her build harmonious relationships at work. "I am glad that we have managed to form a team with a common agenda, which, beyond political ambitions, puts the interests and needs of the people first," says the mayor. Veronica Mocan's story shows that when women are supported to lead, communities become safer, more inclusive, and more resilient. "Women can demonstrate professionalism and competence, whether in politics or rescue missions," is the message conveyed by the mayor. Over the years, UN Women has supported a range of programmes dedicated to strengthening women’s leadership and increasing women’s participation in political life, including within local public administration. Currently, women mayors account for 24 per cent of all local elected officials. 

I don’t know if my daughter is missing anything at home, because she was so little at that time, and her whole world was her mother and grandmother. As long as we are here, she is okay here. We are her home,” says Natalia, as she looks tenderly at her 10-year-old daughter and her mother in the modest two-room flat where they live, 50 kilometers from the capital, Chisinau.Natalia, the grandmother, Daria, the young girl, and Tetiana, her mother, are three generations whose lives were forever changed on March 4, 2022. On the day the airport of Odesa was attacked, living just a couple of kilometers away, the family was shaken by the deafening explosion. Fearing for their safety, they decided to seek refuge in Moldova.With Tetiana behind the wheel of a borrowed car, the three crossed borders with the Republic of Moldova, carrying hope and the bond that held them together.They found solace with friends - former residents of Odesa now living in Moldova - who welcomed them and offered shelter during the initial months.The war’s impact was severe: Daria, with Down Syndrome, who had just begun to speak after years of speech therapy, was so traumatized by the constant noise and explosions that she stopped talking once again, retreating into silence. Natalia, the grandmother, struggled with health issues, her blood pressure spiking amidst the chaos.Starting anew in Moldova was daunting. Everything had to be rebuilt from scratch.With help from friends, they have been introduced to some local educators and specialists who assisted Daria to slowly begin to speak again. And for the first time in her life, she was finally able to start school at the age of eight.“Sometimes I had to work every day of the week to make sure Daria has everything she needs. The expenses are many, and as a single mother, it’s a constant challenge. My husband left us before our daughter was born. I haven’t seen him in over ten years."Tetiana needed to save money to buy her daughter an insulin pump: Daria has suffered from type 1 diabetes since she was 11 months old. In Ukraine, she relied entirely on frequent manual injections for insulin administration, almost ten times a day. This procedure would not have allowed her to attend school, and Tetiana was determined not to deny her daughter the opportunity to enjoy it, as she was confident that Daria would start talking again soon.The insulin pump and all the supplies needed to make it work were essential.A few weeks after their arrival, Tetiana found a job in a fruit juice factory. Over the course of several months, she managed to save up enough money to buy the pump.The device, which is worn with a belt around the waist and delivers a continuous infusion of insulin under the skin, has a life-saving function: it administers insulin every few minutes and alerts her when it is necessary to check or adjust Daria's blood glucose level.Daria finally starts going to school. She makes friends, integrates immediately, and enjoys her moments of happiness under the watchful eye of her grandmother, who is ready to step in whenever needed.“I am the one who takes care of this! As soon as the device sounds, I immediately administer the insulin dose she requires,” the grandmother proudly states.Now, Daria truly enjoys attending school. She eagerly participates in a variety of activities, from reciting poems to learning new dances. She feels a special bond with her teacher, who is kind and understanding, making the classroom a welcoming and safe place for her. She also has two best friends, Varvara and Eva. When she mentions their names, her face lights up with a bright smile, as does her grandmother, who spends most of the day with her beloved granddaughter.Natalia, 63, goes to school every day with Daria. In 2025, she underwent surgery at the Republican Clinical Hospital in Chisinau for a bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy and is currently receiving medical treatment.“I feel wonderful!” the grandmother says confidently. “When I am not at school, I take care of the cooking and help my granddaughter with her homework.”Surrounded by the love and protection of her mother and grandmother, as well as the support of her friends and teacher, Daria flourishes as a joyful and happy child.However, maintaining this advanced therapy involves a considerable financial burden. The insulin reservoir must be refilled approximately every three days, while the sensor must be replaced once a week. This is a medically necessary routine, but it places a strain on the family's limited financial resources. Without financial support from the European Union through the project “Responding to the urgent humanitarian needs of vulnerable refugees and third-country nationals in the Republic of Moldova” implemented by the International Organization for Migration in the Republic of Moldova, maintaining this equipment would be unsustainable. The IOM Moldova’s Protection Unit is responsible for providing the necessary supplies for the insulin pump and also assists in purchasing essential goods such as food and hygiene products.“As long as we are here, this support is essential,” said Tetiana.Daria’s health and happiness are what matter most to this strong, three-generation family of women.***Thanks to the EU-funded support, IOM assisted in the Republic of Moldova more than 1,200 displaced people who fled the full-scale war in Ukraine.The story was written by Riccardo Severi, with the assistance of the Mobile Protection Unit at IOM Moldova.