Key facts
- Ukraine's labor force has been reduced by millions due to mobilization and emigration.
- Approximately 30% of people aged 18-65 are economically inactive, with a higher rate among women (35.7%).
- Around 3-3.5 million potential workers could enter the workforce if willing women find jobs.
- If all willing women found jobs, Ukraine's GDP growth could be 8.3 percentage points higher in the first year.
- Retail is the most attractive sector for women, followed by education and social assistance.
- Women prioritize job conditions such as a commute under an hour and a friendly work environment over salary.
Ukraine is grappling with a severe labor shortage, a consequence of Russia's ongoing aggression which has led to mobilization and emigration, reducing the workforce by millions. This situation increases production costs, limits output capacity, and hinders economic growth and export potential.
Simultaneously, a significant portion of the population, particularly women, remains economically inactive. In March 2026, the unemployment rate was 15%, with about 30% of individuals aged 18-65 being inactive. Women's inactivity rate stands at 35.7%, compared to 22.6% for men. This underutilization of human capital is a critical issue, especially given the forecasted need for approximately 5 million additional workers for the country's recovery.
Despite these challenges, a substantial pool of potential workers exists. 73% of surveyed non-working women wish to find employment, with many aiming to do so within one to two years, representing 3-3.5 million individuals. Integrating these women into the workforce could significantly boost GDP growth, enhance labor productivity, and foster innovation. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to insufficient childcare infrastructure and prevailing social expectations, with one-third of unemployed women citing household and caregiving responsibilities as their primary reason for not working.
Economic projections indicate that if all willing women secure jobs within their desired timeframes, Ukraine's GDP growth could be substantially higher, potentially adding 8.3 percentage points in the first year and 3.9 percentage points in the second year, beyond current estimates. The impact on specific sectors could be transformative, with employment in personal services potentially tripling and doubling in sectors like hotels, restaurants, IT, and media.
When seeking employment, women's priorities differ from common assumptions. While salary is a factor, with two-thirds willing to accept up to Hr 30,000 (approximately $675) per month, job conditions are equally, if not more, important. Factors such as a commute of less than an hour and a friendly work environment are highly valued. For mothers, access to childcare facilities is a decisive element. Many women are also prepared to invest in their careers through training or relocation.
To address the labor shortage and leverage this potential, concerted efforts are needed from employers and the government. Employers can offer flexible working hours, transportation, or accommodation. Authorities can provide training, improve care infrastructure, and launch campaigns to combat discrimination and outdated stereotypes about gender-specific occupations. Such collaborative action is essential for Ukraine to achieve robust economic growth and a swift recovery by fully utilizing its human capital.