Instead, he walks quickly toward the place where the most important people in his life are waiting for him. Before he can fully open the door, David and Fabian run into his arms.,,Dad, look what we drew!"Two pairs of little hands hold out colorful drawings as the boys eagerly tell him everything they have done over the past few hours. Ștefan listens carefully, hugs them, and smiles. Then he reaches into his backpack and takes out a container of cherries and strawberries, lovingly prepared that morning by his wife. It is one of the snacks the boys look forward to every time they come to visit their dad at work.The moment lasts only a few minutes. Soon, Ștefan has to return to reports, meetings, and data analysis. Yet those few minutes reveal a great deal about the person he becomes when he closes his laptop and steps into the most important role of his life—that of a father.For the past 13 years, Ștefan Bîrsa has worked as a Data Analyst at Orange Moldova. At 36, however, he says that his most important role is not his professional one, but being a father. Together with his wife, a surgical nurse at the Cardiology Institute, he is raising their two sons—eight-year-old David and five-year-old Fabian.Whenever he speaks about his family, his voice becomes softer. Sometimes he pauses for a long moment, as if searching for the right words to describe something that is felt more deeply than it can be explained. His eyes well up with emotion whenever he talks about his children and how quickly the years go by.,,When you become a parent, your life changes completely. Suddenly, it's no longer just about you. Everything you do, every decision you make, is connected to that little person who has entered your life."He recalls with emotion the time when he became a father for the first time.,,No one teaches you how to be a parent. You learn every single day. You learn to be patient, to be present, and to understand that sometimes simply being there matters more than anything else."For Ștefan, fatherhood does not begin and end with the workday. It means being present, listening, offering support, and sharing family responsibilities.,,It is important for fathers to be involved. Even one or two hours a day can make a difference. It is not easy for a mother to carry all the responsibilities on her own. We are a team, and we need to support each other."Perhaps that is why his children are so attached to him. During our visit, the two boys follow his every step, look for him constantly, and light up with excitement each time he appears at the door. And Ștefan always finds a few moments to visit them, ask how they are doing, and admire their latest drawings and creations.,,I hope that years from now they will remember that I was there for them. That we spent time together and that I did my very best to guide them as they grew up," Ștefan says, taking a deep breath.Like many families in the Republic of Moldova, the Bîrsa family balances professional responsibilities with family life every day. Both parents have demanding careers, and school holidays, kindergarten closures, or unexpected situations can easily turn an ordinary day into a real challenge.At times like these, the family-friendly space at Orange—one of five champion companies in the Republic of Moldova that began introducing family-friendly workplace practices four years ago with the support of UNFPA and the Austrian Development Agency—becomes much more than an employee benefit. It provides a practical solution that enables parents to continue their professional responsibilities without compromising their children's safety and well-being.,,For us, it gives tremendous peace of mind, and we feel fortunate to have this kind of support from our company. We bring the boys here whenever we need to—sometimes once a week, sometimes even twice. We know they are safe, playing, drawing, and interacting with other children. And I can come and see them whenever I have a few free minutes. For a parent, knowing your children are nearby and in a safe environment means so much."Orange created this dedicated space for employees' children to provide young ones with a safe and stimulating environment while giving parents the flexibility they need to navigate the challenges of everyday life.The initiative was implemented with the support of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova (CNPM), with financial assistance from Sweden.,,Behind every career is a family life, and maintaining a healthy balance between the two is essential. At Orange, we want to ensure that people are never forced to choose between their professional responsibilities and their families. That is why we strive to create a workplace that offers support, flexibility, and the confidence that employees can be present for the moments that matter most to their loved ones. When people feel supported, they build genuine connections with their teams and the organization, and this naturally translates into stronger engagement and long-term performance," said Olga Surugiu, CEO of Orange Moldova.In recognition of these efforts, Orange Moldova received the ,,Family-Friendly Company" award at the Moldovan Business Gala, organized annually by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The distinction acknowledges the company's investment in the well-being of its employees and their families.Orange Moldova's experience demonstrates that family-friendly workplace policies are not merely a social benefit—they are also an investment in people and in a company's long-term success. When employees have access to flexible working arrangements, childcare support, and an understanding employer, they are more motivated, more engaged, and more loyal. At the same time, businesses benefit from stronger and more stable teams, lower staff turnover, and a greater ability to attract and retain talented professionals.The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) promotes family-friendly workplace policies because they help create more inclusive workplaces that respond to the realities of modern families. In the context of demographic challenges and labour shortages, such policies offer tangible benefits for both employees and businesses.By 2028, through the project ,,Increasing women's resilience and excellence through quality, inclusive and Family-Friendly employment opportunities," implemented with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) in partnership with UN Women, UNFPA aims to support at least 25 private companies across the country in introducing family-friendly services and workplace policies, including childcare solutions at the workplace. The objective is to enable more women to return to work after childbirth and to ensure that parents are no longer forced to choose between building a career and raising a family.Because a society that supports parents in raising their children while pursuing their professional aspirations is a society where families have greater opportunities and children can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment.On National Father's Day, Ștefan has a simple message for fathers and parents across the country: ,,Spend time with your children. Every stage of childhood is special, and it passes by so quickly. It doesn't have to be hours at a time. A walk together, a game, or even a few minutes of your undivided attention can mean the world to them. Children do not primarily need material things. What they need most is your attention, your affection, and your hugs."

When Anna Kovalchuk arrived in the Republic of Moldova in 2022 after being forced to flee Ukraine due to the war, she did not know how long she would stay or what her future would look like. Four years later, she coordinates youth projects at the National Youth Council of Moldova and helps create opportunities for young people across the country.“At first, I was simply looking for a safe place. But very quickly, I realized that I did not want to just live here. I wanted to be part of the community, meet people, get involved, and contribute.”Her first step was participating in youth activities and initiatives, where she discovered the importance of community and human connections.“I saw an announcement about a youth camp bringing together young people from Ukraine and Moldova, and I decided to join. For a few days, you could put aside the worries waiting for you back home and focus on the present. You made friends, met new people, and started to feel that you belonged somewhere. Sometimes, simply attending an event is the most important step. For someone who has gone through a traumatic experience, entering a new space is not always easy. But that first step can change everything.”The experience inspired Anna to help other young people find the same sense of belonging and support that she had found in Moldova. Today, she coordinates youth initiatives through the National Youth Council of Moldova, promoting civic participation, education, and social inclusion.“I began to better understand the challenges refugees face, and I felt a strong desire to give back the support that I had received. It seemed important to me that young people arriving in a new country could see someone who had gone through similar experiences. When you speak with someone who has faced the same challenges, a different level of trust emerges. One of the initiatives I am most proud of is the summer camps that bring together refugee youth and young people from Moldova. The most emotional moment is always at the end. On the first day, participants are strangers. On the last day, many of them are in tears because they have built friendships and do not want to say goodbye.”Anna’s story reflects the experience of many young refugees who, once given the necessary support and opportunities, choose to actively engage in the communities that welcomed them. Between 2023 and 2026, more than 156,000 refugees accessed support through UNFPA programmes in the Republic of Moldova, including more than 30,000 young people. Through safe spaces, Youth Centres, and the EduLIFE programme, they gained access to learning opportunities, personal development, psychosocial support, and civic participation, becoming active contributors to the communities where they live.Anna believes refugees have an important role to play in the development of the communities around them.“Refugees are not only people receiving support. They bring experience, knowledge, ideas, and a desire to contribute. When they are given opportunities to participate, they become part of the solutions and part of the development of their communities.”After four years in Moldova, Anna says that belonging means much more than safety.“I do not forget where I come from, but at the same time, I build together with others and contribute to the development of the community I am part of today. I remain who I am. I keep my values, experiences, and roots. Belonging does not mean losing your identity. I have spent an important part of my life here. I am learning Romanian, working, and actively involved in the community. That is why Moldova has become more than the country that welcomed me when I needed help. It has become a place where I belong and where I can make a contribution.”Today, Anna is one of thousands of refugees who have not only rebuilt their lives in the Republic of Moldova, but who also actively contribute to society. On World Refugee Day 2026, we reaffirm that when we create space for refugees to belong, we are not only supporting them - we are building a more resilient, united, and prosperous Moldova for all.

Every morning, Mihail sets off for school together with his mother. For him, it matters deeply to know that he is expected in class and that he feels safe there.Mihail is 12 years old and is a fifth-grade student at “Piotr Cazmalî” Gymnasium in Ceadîr-Lunga. His classmates and teachers know him as an artistic boy who enjoys modelling with plasticine and loves colours - especially red.Still, the first thing everyone mentions about him is something else: his open and contagious smile, which says more than dozens of words.Like all children, Mihail has the right to quality education, to a safe environment, to participation and to a full life. Today, this right is being respected - not without effort, but through the genuine commitment of the school, the family and the community.The right to education: a journey built step by stepFor Mihail, school was a challenge at first. His disability affected his motor coordination, his ability to concentrate, and his endurance. Routine activities required more time and energy. At times, moments of anxiety or withdrawal would appear.Yet Mihail was not left alone. The school took responsibility for creating the conditions he needed in order to learn, grow, and participate at his own pace.“The first weeks were difficult, but gradually, with the support of teachers and classmates, he began to feel more confident. Today, I see beautiful progress. Mihail has become more self-assured, he goes to school with pleasure, shows interest in activities and interacts better with his peers,” says Tatiana Radulova, Mihail’s mother, who is also his personal assistant.Tailored support - because every child has their own needsIn the classroom and in the Resource Centre, Mihail is also supported by Tatiana Velcova, a support teacher who has been by his side since his first years of school.“At the beginning, he had difficulties with coordination, got tired quickly and found it hard to maintain his attention. Today, he is actively involved in different tasks, maintains his concentration for longer and completes what he starts,” she says.Her approach is based on three essential principles of inclusive education: adapting to the child’s individual pace, using visual and practical methods, and constantly encouraging every step forward, no matter how small.Mihail’s progress is also visible at the socio-emotional level, as support continues beyond the classroom. The school psychologist, Alina Uzun, who has been working with Mihail for several years, has observed important changes both in his cognitive development and in the way he relates to those around him.“His attention, memory and thinking have improved. His level of anxiety has decreased, and Mihail has become more sociable and more motivated to learn,” the psychologist notes.Today, Mihail communicates more easily with his classmates, participates in activities, and feels more confident in the school environment.“For us, the most important thing is that he comes to school with pleasure and always has a smile on his face,” she adds.

For Silvia Andronic, a researcher and university lecturer in physics at the Technical University of Moldova, this shift is both encouraging and essential. She believes that access to education, supportive teachers, and strong female role models can play a decisive role in shaping a young woman’s path toward a career in STEAM.Silvia’s passion for physics and the exact sciences began during her school years and eventually led her to pursue an academic path initially focused on teaching."My interest in physics emerged in the early years of school, when I began discovering natural phenomena and asking questions about how the world around us works. The fact that I could understand and describe reality through mathematics gave me immense satisfaction and made me think: this is something I truly enjoy," she recalls.Although she originally envisioned a career centered on teaching, her growing involvement in scientific activities and the experiences she gained along the way gradually drew her toward research—the field where she ultimately discovered her true passion. Today, Silvia successfully combines both dimensions of academic life, contributing to numerous research projects while also mentoring and inspiring a new generation of young women interested in pursuing careers in STEAM."When I was a student, I did not clearly imagine that I would become a researcher and university lecturer. However, throughout my university studies, my interest in research continued to grow. A career in academia came naturally, as an extension of my passion for physics and my desire to share knowledge with others," she says.Silvia graduated in 2007 from Alexandru Donici Theoretical High School in Ciuciuleni, Hîncești district, before continuing her studies at the Faculty of Physics of Moldova State University. After completing her bachelor's and master's degrees, she pursued doctoral studies at the Technical University of Moldova, earning a PhD in Physical Sciences in 2016.For Silvia, physics has always been more than a school subject. The teachers and mentors she encountered throughout her education played a crucial role in nurturing her curiosity and encouraging her desire to better understand the world."My teachers and mentors were instrumental in shaping my career path. Through their passion and dedication, they shared not only knowledge, but also a genuine love for physics. Their example and constant support contributed significantly to my professional development and reinforced my commitment to this field," says the physicist.Her experience highlights how access to quality education, supportive educators, and mentorship opportunities can influence the way young women envision their futures. Silvia believes that encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics is essential for increasing women’s participation in these sectors and challenging persistent stereotypes about their abilities in the exact sciences.In the Republic of Moldova, gender norms and stereotypes continue to influence educational choices, contributing to gender segregation across different fields of study and employment. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, women account for more than 80 percent of the workforce in education and healthcare, while sectors such as information and communications technology (38.7%), transport (21.6%), and construction (6.8%) remain predominantly male-dominated.This is why it is so important for girls to have access to inspiring role models, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences that encourage them to explore STEAM fields and build confidence in their own abilities.To help address these disparities, UN Women Moldova implements a range of initiatives aimed at encouraging girls and women to pursue education and careers in STEAM. Through competitions, mentorship programmes, career guidance activities, and networking opportunities, these interventions seek to bring young women closer to science and technology while strengthening their confidence in their own potential.One such initiative is Her Journey, which highlights the stories of women who have succeeded in fields where women are often underrepresented, including agriculture, information and communication technologies, and real estate. During a recent Her Journey session, Silvia shared her academic and professional experience with more than 200 girls passionate about physics from 14 districts across the country. She spoke about the challenges, opportunities, and lessons that have shaped her career, offering participants valuable insights into STEAM fields and the pathways available to build a career in science."I believe it is important for young women to see examples that show them a career in science is possible. When you see women succeeding in these fields, it gives you greater confidence that such a path is accessible to you as well," says the researcher.By sharing their experiences and achievements, women like Silvia are helping to advance gender equality in STEAM and inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue their ambitions without being limited by stereotypes.This article was produced as part of the Her Journey initiative, implemented by UN Women Moldova with the financial support of Sweden.