Enabling women’s participation in Ukraine’s labour market through expanded childcare services
0-1 Original language
English
I-1 Name of the initiative
Enabling women’s participation in Ukraine’s labour market through expanded childcare services
I-2 Geographical coverage
UKR
I-2-A Region/country
Ukraine
I-2-R Region
Europe and Central Asia
I-2-T Geographical scope
Country
I-3-A Initiative start date
2023
I-3-B Initiative end date
2025
I-4 Leading entity/organization
Employer and Business Membership Organization
I-5 Collaborating entities/organizations
Government
I-5 Collaborating entities/organizations
Private enterprise
I-5 Collaborating entities/organizations
Civil society, including NGOs
I-6 Has the ILO been involved in the initiative?
Yes
I-7 Is there collaboration with other agencies of the United Nations System or other partners?
Yes
II-1 Justification of the initiative
Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation on February 2024, the labour market has faced increasing shortages of labour due to the outflow of people and the conscription of men. To address this challenge and support economic recovery—which, according to ILO projections, requires an additional 8.6 million workers—policies aimed at increasing women's participation in economic activities are essential. However, achieving this goal is impossible without addressing the barriers to women's employment. These include the lack of affordable and accessible childcare services, gender-based discrimination in the workplace, the gender pay gap, and limited access to education and training. Removing these obstacles is critical to fostering a more inclusive and resilient labour market.
II-10 Focus on other branches of economic activity
No sectoral focus
II-11 Focus on certain categories of enterprises or economic units according to their size
Micro enterprises
II-11 Focus on certain categories of enterprises or economic units according to their size
Small enterprises
II-12 Focus on specific status in employment
Employees
II-12 Focus on specific status in employment
Employers
II-12 Focus on specific status in employment
Own-account workers
II-12 Focus on specific status in employment
Contributing family workers
II-15 Has the initiative been developed through effective social dialogue processes and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms?
Yes, through social dialogue
II-15 Has the initiative been developed through effective social dialogue processes and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms?
Yes, inter-institutional coordination mechanisms
II-15 Has the initiative been developed through effective social dialogue processes and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms?
Other consultations
II-15 Has the initiative been developed through effective social dialogue processes and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms?
No
II-2 Objectives and description of the initiative
The project focused on:Supporting preschool education and parental leave reforms, as well as implementing the National Strategy to Eliminate the Gender Pay Gap.Designing and piloting alternative childcare and preschool models to expand affordable services and provide evidence for new kindergarten formats introduced by law.Developing an occupational standard and short-term nanny training programs, complementing the "Municipal Nanny" initiative to formalize the profession, standardize service quality, and address the lack of early childhood care training for children under three.Promoting employer-led childcare solutions, such as on-site childcare services and flexible work arrangements, to incentivize women’s employment. Initially unpopular, these family-friendly policies gained traction and demonstrated their effectiveness in addressing labour shortages.
II-3 Type of initiative
Policy / strategy
II-3 Type of initiative
Workplace initiative
II-3 Type of initiative
Public-private partnership
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Recognition, reduction and redistribution of unpaid care
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Reward care workers
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Representation of care workers
II-5 Which is the main policy area of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Care policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Employment policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Skills policies
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Design and implement integrated and coherent care policies and systems for decent work and gender equality
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Mainstream care into relevant public policies
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Promote employment and macroeconomic policies that create decent jobs in the care economy
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Formalization of informal care jobs and enterprises
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Promoting active labour market policies, education and training, upskilling and re-skilling, skills recognition and skills certification
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Addressing the undervaluation of care work by raising public awareness
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Addressing the unequal gender distribution of paid and unpaid work, and promoting women’s economic inclusion and autonomy beyond caregiving
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Comprehensive maternity protection and care leave and protection policies, including paternity, parental leave and long-term care leave
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Work-life balance policies and measures, including organization, time and location of work, and other terms and conditions of employment
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Invest in and make available high-quality, affordable, adequate and accessible care services, including childcare, health care and long-term care
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and SSE entities that deliver quality care services
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Supporting other multilateral initiatives (e.g. EPIC)
II-8 Which beneficiaries in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Unpaid carers (workers or persons with care responsibilities, parents, other family members, etc.)
II-8 Which beneficiaries in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Paid care workers (nurses, domestic workers, teachers, childcare workers, personal assistants, etc.)
II-9 Geographical scope
Urban and rural
III-1 In a short paragraph, summarize the main results and impacts obtained
The initiative achieved significant outcomes, including the establishment of three on-site kindergartens, support for nine women-led childcare businesses serving 132 children, and the creation of 40 direct jobs. Over 60 women were trained in childcare entrepreneurship, with nine launching or expanding businesses, while a nanny training course garnered 320 registrations in three days. Occupational standards for childcare workers were developed, contributing to the professionalization of the sector. The project also influenced the adoption of the new Law on Preschool Education (June 2024) and initiated a joint ILO/UNICEF National Study on Access to Childcare and Women's Empowerment, set to inform policy by March 2025. Advocacy efforts led to the government’s development of a comprehensive Strategy for Support of Parenthood, while the ILO/UNICEF study became a foundation for anticipated parental leave reforms. Municipal kindergartens showed interest in the nanny training program, prompting adaptation of materials for their staff, and the private childcare sector gained recognition as essential for addressing limited public funding for preschool education expansion.
III-2 Explanation of the innovative element of the initiative for advancing decent work in the care economy
By combining support for alternative childcare models, women's entrepreneurship, and policy reform, the project is making significant strides in enabling women's participation in the labor market and contributing to Ukraine's economic resilience and recovery.The initiative adopted a ground-breaking systemic approach, seamlessly integrating multiple interventions to create a transformative impact. A prime example is the Municipal Nanny Programme, which combines partial cost compensation for nanny services with a comprehensive, certified training course for nannies. Upon completion, participants gain a recognized qualification, unlocking diverse employment pathways: they can work as caregivers in private households, join work-based childcare facilities, or even establish their own self-employed mini-kindergartens. This innovative, multi-layered model not only professionalizes childcare but also empowers individuals with flexible career opportunities, while addressing critical gaps in affordable, quality childcare services. It’s a holistic solution that bridges education, employment, and entrepreneurship, setting a new standard for systemic change in the sector.
IV-1 What were the main challenges or difficulties during the design and implementation? How were they faced/ addressed?
The ongoing war created significant security challenges, especially in the regions close to the frontline where offline kindergarten services could not operate. Additionally, the volatile political and economic situation made long-term planning difficult.
IV-2 Lessons learned and good practices, including room and opportunities for improvement
One key lesson is the importance of adaptability in volatile and rapidly changing contexts; reprogramming activities and maintaining flexibility has been essential to ensuring continued impact. The initiative also highlighted the value of linking childcare expansion with women’s entrepreneurship development, creating opportunities for both improved care services and women's economic empowerment. Furthermore, a multi-faceted approach that engages both public and private sector actors proved critical to building sustainable solutions.
IV-3 Key conditions for success
Multi-level, systemic approachCombining direct service delivery (onsite kindergartens, nanny training) with policy advocacy (law reform, national strategy) ensures immediate impact and sustainable structural change.Integrating education, employment, and entrepreneurship creates synergies instead of isolated interventions.Effective partnerships and stakeholder buy-inCollaboration with municipalities, TVET institutions, employment centers, and international organizations (ILO, UNICEF) created strong institutional support.Municipal interest in adapting the nanny program shows local ownership — a critical condition for scaling.Clear pathways to employment and entrepreneurshipLinking training to tangible employment opportunities (jobs in households, municipal kindergartens, self-employment) makes the initiative practical and attractive.Business training complements skills training, ensuring viability of women-led ventures.
IV-4 Key conditions for sustainability
The nanny training courses are now being offered through TVET institutions, with plans to expand delivery via both TVET and employment centers. It is now being negotiated that these courses are funded by government-provided vouchers, enabling unemployed individuals to access re-skilling and upskilling opportunities. Meanwhile, reforms in preschool education have introduced greater flexibility, allowing both public and private actors to establish childcare facilities independently or through partnerships. Additionally, specialized ILO courses on women’s entrepreneurship in childcare will equip women with comprehensive knowledge in business management and childcare services, empowering them to launch and sustain their own ventures in this growing sector. Together, these initiatives create a robust ecosystem for professional development, childcare accessibility, and women’s economic empowerment.
IV-5 Potential for transferability, expansion and replicability in other countries and contexts
The project laid the groundwork for developing of the comprehensive women’s entrepreneurship training for childcare startups that could be universal and adapted to any country’s context. Currently the training package is being developed in cooperation with the Women Entrepreneurship Development unit of the ILO.
V-1 Sources of information and documents used on the characteristics of the initiative, including links to websites, news items, toolkits, policy documents or reports
Building a pathway for economic reconstruction A rapid market assessment of construction, childcare and e-commerce in UkraineEmpowering women's employment: ILO's childcare initiative in UkraineExpanding childcare services to boost women’s entrepreneurship and employment in Ukraine: A CASE STUDY
New childcare facility empowers working women in UkraineVeronika Boloban, founder of the Kids Hub children’s centre and ILO grantee from Bila Tserkva, Ukraine has created a space where children feel comfortable, cosy and safe while their mothers can pursue their careers.