According to a report released on March 11 by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, more than 80% of registered unemployed individuals in Ukraine are women. Among young people under 30, this figure rises to 70% for those who are not engaged in any form of employment.
The ministry highlighted several barriers to women’s employment, including professional segregation, forced relocation, unpaid caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to flexible work arrangements, training, and childcare infrastructure.
“It is particularly important to address the youth issue. Among Ukrainians aged 15-29, one in five is neither studying nor working, with young women making up about 70% of this demographic,” the ministry’s press service stated.
The report emphasized that increasing women’s participation across all sectors of the economy, including those traditionally dominated by men, is crucial for addressing labor shortages amid ongoing conflict.
Starting in 2025, a new program will enable women to acquire skills in 31 high-demand professions that have historically been male-dominated. These roles include trolleybus driver, loader, tram driver, crane operator, tractor driver, and automotive electronic equipment technician, among others. A complete list of these professions is available on the website of the Ukrainian Parliament, as outlined in the Cabinet of Ministers’ Resolution No. 1302 dated November 15, 2024.
Women interested in training can submit applications through the State Employment Service’s website. The maximum duration of the training is 10 months, with costs covered by the employment service. Upon completion, participants are guaranteed job placements. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the nearest employment center.
The Ministry of Economy in Ukraine reports that over 80% of registered unemployed are women, with significant barriers hindering their employment. A new program aims to train women in high-demand, traditionally male-dominated professions starting in 2025.