Premiere in Moldova’s higher education system: Students and academics from the State University of Moldova (USM) now have access to a center dedicated to the care of young children. USM, in partnership with UNFPA Moldova and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, inaugurated the USM Family-Friendly Center: children grow | parents work and study, an innovative initiative designed to support the balance between academic and family life. The center, housed in a historic university building, was made possible with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency and the Moldcell Foundation, representing an investment of approximately 1.6 million lei.
The Family-Friendly Center provides childcare services for children up to the age of three, benefiting USM students and teachers. Currently, 55 students and 27 faculty members with young children can access these facilities, which include a nursing room, play areas, a bedroom, a kitchen, and child-friendly sanitary facilities.
USM Rector Igor Șarov and First Vice-Rector Otilia Dandara expressed their gratitude to the project partners, emphasizing the initiative’s role in strengthening the university’s community spirit. "We will be delighted to hear children’s laughter—and why not, their crying too—on campus. Young families deserve all the support they can get, and we are proud that through this center, we are taking a step forward in fulfilling this commitment," said Igor Șarov.
Moldova’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Alexei Buzu, also attended the launch event, highlighting the importance of investments in children: "Recently, the annual World Happiness Report was released, and Finland ranks as the happiest country and the best place to be a child. My ambition is for Moldova to be among the best countries for children as well. That is why investments in children are the most valuable. Opening this child-friendly space at a place of work or study is a cause for celebration." He further emphasized that such centers should become the norm rather than the exception and called for expanding similar initiatives nationwide.
This initiative aligns with UNFPA’s efforts to promote family-friendly policies in Moldova. The launch of the USM Family-Friendly Center extends these efforts into the public sector after similar services were previously introduced in five private companies across the country.
The center responds to the pressing need for young parents to balance academic and family responsibilities.
"The opening of this family-friendly center at Moldova State University is a strong commitment to promoting family-friendly policies in Moldova. Such policies help families harmoniously combine work and family life. Moreover, UNFPA’s Generations and Gender Survey shows that Moldovan families want to have more children, but often, the lack of childcare services and equitable sharing of household responsibilities are major barriers. UNFPA firmly believes that all women should have equal opportunities to achieve both their professional and family aspirations—without having to choose between being a mother or having a career," stated Natalia Plugaru, UNFPA Moldova Representative.
The total investment in the center amounts to 1.6 million lei, and all facilities comply with Law No. 367/2022 on alternative early childhood care services and Government Decision No. 572/2023 on their organization and operation framework.
Irina Strajescu, Director of the Moldcell Foundation, shared the company’s experience in supporting working parents: "As a private company, we have family-friendly spaces and nursing rooms. We allow all our female employees to work from home after giving birth. The golden rule when launching a service or product is to solve a real problem for citizens. Life is about children—they are our future. Small details like these make life much better, and knowing our children are safe allows us to work more efficiently."
The sustainability of the USM Family-Friendly Center will be ensured by Moldova State University, which has committed to continuing these essential services for the academic community.
Since 2020, UNFPA Moldova, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and with financial support from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), has been advancing family-friendly policies in the private sector. As a result, five companies—including Orange Moldova, Panilino, Premier Energy Distribution, Asena Textil, and Linella—have introduced initiatives such as nursing rooms, playrooms, and on-site childcare services, facilitating women’s active participation in the workforce and supporting work-life balance.
From 2024 to 2028, the promotion of family-friendly policies will continue under the new joint UNFPA, UN Women, and ADA project—"Enhancing women’s resilience and excellence through quality, inclusive, and family-friendly employment opportunities." This initiative reinforces UNFPA’s commitment to supporting policies that promote work-life balance, ensure women’s access to the labor market, and provide sustainable solutions for raising children in a safe and supportive environment. It also aims to empower couples to have as many children as they desire.
