ILO and Partners Launch Innovative Childcare Initiatives in Moldova and Ukraine

"Orange Kids" provides a child-friendly environment designed to cater to the needs of young children, offering both rest and play areas where up to 10 children can be accommodated simultaneously.

In a pioneering move, telecommunications giant Orange Moldova has launched "Orange Kids," an onsite childcare facility aimed at supporting its employees with young children. This groundbreaking project, financially supported by Sweden and backed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the National Confederation of Employers of the Republic of Moldova (CNPM), sets a new standard for workplace support in the region.

Innovative Childcare Facility: Orange Kids

"Orange Kids" provides a child-friendly environment designed to cater to the needs of young children, offering both rest and play areas where up to 10 children can be accommodated simultaneously. This initiative addresses a critical gap in Moldova, where only 15% of children under three are enrolled in preschools, contributing to high economic inactivity rates among women aged 25-34. By enabling working parents to balance professional responsibilities with family commitments, "Orange Kids" aims to enhance workforce participation among qualified young women, thereby boosting economic productivity.

Support and Impact:

Olga Surugiu, CEO of Orange Moldova, expressed pride in leading the initiative, highlighting its role in supporting employees and setting a precedent for local businesses. Leonid Cerescu, President of CNPM, emphasized the facility's potential to strengthen team cohesion, reduce turnover, and attract new talent.

Government and International Support:

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, in collaboration with the ILO, has also established a childcare facility at its premises, providing a safe environment for children during parents' working hours. The government incentivizes employers to establish childcare services by offering non-taxable monthly payments per child, further promoting workforce participation and economic growth.

Expansion and Future Directions:

Looking ahead, Moldova plans to expand childcare services through increased funding and renovations of public facilities, supported by international organizations and civil society. Investments aim to double by the next year, underscoring the commitment to enhancing childcare infrastructure across the country.

Childcare Initiatives in Ukraine

In Ukraine, similar challenges hinder women's workforce participation, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Russia. To address these issues, the ILO has partnered with stakeholders to pilot innovative childcare solutions, including family-type arrangements and workplace-based facilities. These initiatives aim to provide accessible and affordable childcare, supporting women's economic engagement during and after the post-war recovery period.

Bohuslav Professional Humanitarian College:

In Bohuslav, Kyiv region, the ILO collaborated with the UN High Commission for Refugees to transform a commercial childcare service into a formal educational facility. This initiative not only serves college staff but also accommodates internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking refuge in the college's hostels. The facility's expansion aligns with local needs, providing a nurturing environment and supporting parental employment opportunities.

Future Pilots and Policy Recommendations:

Building on these successes, the ILO plans additional pilots in public hospitals and industrial settings to expand accessible childcare options. These efforts are expected to inform policy recommendations for improving legislation on preschool education and enhancing women's labor market activation in Ukraine.

Conclusion:

Investments in childcare infrastructure not only benefit families by supporting work-life balance but also contribute to economic growth and gender equality. By facilitating women's participation in the workforce, these initiatives create a more inclusive and productive environment, setting a precedent for sustainable development in Moldova and Ukraine.

As these projects evolve, stakeholders remain committed to advancing childcare policies and expanding services, demonstrating the transformative impact of inclusive workplace practices on societal well-being and economic prosperity.