Women Comprise Over 80% of Ukraine's Registered Unemployed

The recent statistics from Ukraine's Ministry of Economy reveal a concerning trend: over 80% of those registered as unemployed are women. This statistic has spurred the launch of a new information campaign titled "Yes, You Can!" by UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture.

The campaign aims to inspire women to seek employment and better integrate into the labor market. Ukraine’s labor market faces unique challenges due to ongoing conflict, which has exacerbated barriers to employment for women.

The national employment strategy through 2030 emphasizes the inclusion of women as a government priority, recognizing their significant representation among the jobless. A rapid assessment of damages and needs indicates that the gender pay gap, which had been decreasing before Russia's full-scale invasion, has begun to widen again since 2022.

Particularly alarming is that among young people aged 15 to 29, one in five is neither studying nor working, with nearly 70% of this demographic being young women. The "Yes, You Can!" campaign features a dedicated platform, youcan.com.ua, which aggregates various programs and resources available to women.

It offers practical guidance tailored to individual circumstances, focusing on job training and professional opportunities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to open up new career paths in sectors traditionally dominated by men, such as demining, heavy machinery operation, and energy professions.

The Vice Minister of Economy, Daria Marchak, emphasized the critical need for women's involvement across all economic sectors, particularly as the labor market grapples with shortages due to the war. She noted that improving access to quality retraining and well-paying jobs is essential for the country’s economic resilience.

The campaign has secured financial support from the governments of Denmark, Canada, Croatia, and Sweden, highlighting international solidarity in addressing these issues. This marks the second phase of the initiative, following a successful first stage focused on the gender pay gap that took place in 2024-2025.