ILO-UNICEF report identifies key enablers of women's employment in wartime Ukraine

Kyiv (ILO News) – The study was conducted in response to changes in the labour market caused by the full-scale war and its impact on women’s participation in employment. In response to challenges in sustaining resilience and supporting the country’s economic recovery, the findings show that women’s participation in the labour market is shaped by three interrelated factors: the availability and accessibility of childcare services, flexible working arrangements, and social norms and stereotypes. Constraints in any of these areas reduce women’s ability to work, even where labour demand exists.

The launch event of the report brought together representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Parliament, employers’ and workers’ organisations, civil society organizations, UN agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss the study’s findings in the context of ongoing labour market shifts and Ukraine’s economic recovery priorities.

Expanding women’s economic opportunities is essential for Ukraine’s recovery and for addressing the labour shortages intensified by the war.
Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine

“Expanding women’s economic opportunities is essential for Ukraine’s recovery and for addressing the labour shortages intensified by the war. When women have access to high-quality early childhood education and care services, combined with decent work, it strengthens the economic resilience of families, communities, and the country as a whole. For the ILO, it is imperative that Ukraine’s recovery is grounded in the principles of decent work, equality, and inclusive development,” said Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine.

Improving the early childhood education and care system and adopting family-friendly policies can enable women to find decent work.
Anne-Claire Dufay, UNICEF Representative for Ukraine

“As research and experience show, it is critical to invest in the first years of children, to give them the best start in life,” said Anne-Claire Dufay, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine. “Improving the early childhood education and care system and adopting family-friendly policies can enable women to find decent work, while their young children are nurtured through quality, inclusive and flexible preschool and childcare options,” she added.

The findings underline the need for comprehensive solutions that combine the expansion of accessible and affordable early childhood development and care services, support for employment, and the creation of conditions for more flexible working arrangements as part of Ukraine’s recovery.