Childcare in Ukraine: A systems approach to building back better

Limited access to affordable, quality childcare remains a major barrier to women’s labour market participation. The war has further disrupted services and increased care responsibilities, while women continue to carry a disproportionate share of unpaid care work.

The project expands access to childcare and strengthens the care economy to support women’s economic empowerment, labour market participation and sustainable recovery. It works with government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the private sector, professional organizations, local authorities, UN agencies and community-based organizations.

Using a Market Systems Development approach, the project addresses systemic barriers to affordable and sustainable childcare and supports solutions that can continue and scale beyond direct project support. It combines practical childcare solutions with policy support, institutional capacity-building and efforts to promote a more equal sharing of care responsibilities.

Key interventions include expanding access to affordable, quality childcare through sustainable and diverse solutions, including employer-supported models; strengthening the childcare workforce through professionalization, skills development and greater formalization of care work; supporting policy and regulatory reforms related to childcare, preschool education and parental leave; and promoting family-friendly workplace practices and a more equal sharing of care responsibilities.

By improving access to childcare, the project helps women pursue employment and entrepreneurship, supports families in balancing work and care, and creates decent jobs in the care economy. In doing so, it contributes to a stronger labour market, greater gender equality and Ukraine’s sustainable recovery.