Between September and December 2025, UNFPA Moldova, with financial support from the Government of the United Kingdom, piloted three micro-qualification programs that offered women in vulnerable situations the opportunity to develop practical skills, regain confidence, and strengthen their economic independence. Implemented with the support of AO Prodidactica, the initiative brought together 45 women – 39 refugees from Ukraine and 6 from the local community – creating a space for learning, solidarity, and real prospects for professional integration.
In times of crisis, women need concrete solutions to secure income and independence. These micro-qualification courses were designed to empower refugee women through professional training, facilitate their socioeconomic integration, and reinforce their financial autonomy. At the same time, the programs reduce their vulnerability to violence, aligning with international standards for gender-based violence prevention and forming part of UNFPA’s humanitarian response.
The micro-qualification program offered women the opportunity to study in the fields of “cook,” “seamstress,” and “hairdresser,” representing a first in the educational context of the Republic of Moldova as it was designed as a continuing education program for adult learners. Participants received sets of basic professional tools tailored to each of the three trades, as well as practical skills that enable them to quickly enter the labor market or start their own economic activity.
Oksana Suleima, a refugee from Ukraine and participant in the program: “In Moldova, I had the chance to learn a new trade and regain confidence in myself. With the support of the people here, I found the courage to start over, and after completing the course, I am set to work in a local café in Dondușeni, where I have already received a job offer.”
The programs were developed in collaboration with technical vocational education institutions (VET), building on existing initial training programs, and are officially certified by the Ministry of Education and Research.
Through micro-qualification programs, UNFPA supports women and girls at risk, both refugees and from host communities, providing them with access to professional training and the development of skills relevant to the labor market. These interventions contribute to increased economic autonomy, greater resilience in crisis contexts, and a reduction in the risks of exploitation and abuse, while also helping to meet the basic needs of families.
Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Moldova Representative: “Through the refugee support program, our aim was to offer women in vulnerable situations more than professional training – we provided them with tools to regain confidence, independence, and control over their own future. This initiative reflects the commitment of UNFPA and our strategic partner, the Government of the United Kingdom, to transform humanitarian response into a real opportunity for inclusion, autonomy, and the reconstruction of the lives of women affected by crisis.”
The programs also promote the transformation of discriminatory social norms that limit women’s participation in economic and public life, and are implemented in line with European Union acquis principles on gender equality, social inclusion, and equitable access to economic opportunities.
Fern Horine, British Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova: “Promoting gender equality and supporting the most vulnerable are fundamental priorities for the Government of the United Kingdom. We are proud to contribute to creating real opportunities for women, providing them with the resources and support needed to build a safe and dignified future. We believe that investing in education and economic autonomy is essential to turning crisis into opportunity and strengthening resilient and inclusive communities.”
According to studies, investments in women’s economic empowerment made early in the humanitarian response help reduce vulnerability to gender-based violence, support recovery, and strengthen community resilience.
