Moldova, Ukraine Advance Equal Pay Agenda Through ILO-Led Training in Turin

A significant step toward gender pay equity was taken this summer as 25 policymakers, trade unionists, and employer representatives from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine participated in a high-level training programme on equal pay, organized by the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITCILO), in collaboration with the ILO.

Titled “Achieving Equal Pay: Key Concepts and Practical Approaches,” the training blended online learning and in-person engagement from 23 June to 18 July 2025, aiming to equip national stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle gender-based pay gaps and to promote the principle of equal pay for work of equal value.

Blended Learning Approach Spanning Four Weeks

The programme was delivered in two distinct phases:

• Online Phase (23 June – 11 July): Participants engaged in webinars, interactive readings, and technical discussions covering key concepts such as the drivers of gender pay gaps, international legal frameworks, and comparative policy analysis. Discussions examined how gendered labor market structures and cultural norms perpetuate unequal pay and hinder women's economic participation.

• Face-to-Face Phase (14–18 July): Held at the ITCILO Campus in Turin, Italy, this weeklong in-person segment allowed participants to work directly with international pay equity experts, exchanging insights and deepening their understanding of legal instruments and practical tools relevant to the Moldovan and Ukrainian contexts.

Legal Tools and Global Case Studies in Focus

Central to the training were discussions of international legal standards such as:

• ILO Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100)

• ILO methodologies for job evaluations and pay gap analysis

• The European Union Pay Transparency Directive, particularly important for Moldova and Ukraine as EU candidate countries

Participants analyzed case studies from Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland, and Spain, examining how those countries have institutionalized equal pay principles through wage-setting mechanisms, gender-sensitive job evaluations, and collective bargaining agreements.

These case studies served as practical examples of translating international norms into national practice, a critical skill for Moldova and Ukraine as they work to align domestic policies with European standards.

Collective Bargaining as a Driver for Pay Equity

A central theme throughout the training was the strategic role of social dialogue and collective bargaining in reducing pay inequities. Participants explored ways to incorporate gender pay equity clauses into collective agreements, use wage-setting processes to eliminate bias, and build institutional capacity among labour inspectors and bargaining committees.

Sessions emphasized how tripartite cooperation—involving governments, employers, and workers’ organizations—is essential for the effective implementation of pay equity initiatives.

National Roadmaps and Cross-Border Solidarity

One of the outcomes of the programme was the joint development of national tripartite roadmaps by the Moldovan and Ukrainian delegations. These roadmaps detail strategic steps to promote equal pay, including:

• Legal reforms to enshrine equal pay protections in labour codes

• Capacity-building workshops for wage-setting and evaluation committees

• Awareness campaigns targeting both employers and workers

• Strengthening labour inspection systems to monitor compliance and address violations

The programme fostered cross-border peer learning, enabling participants to share challenges, strategies, and innovations relevant to their countries' unique socioeconomic and post-conflict contexts.

Support from Switzerland and the ILO

The activity was delivered as part of the broader ILO initiative, “Enhance Peace and Prosperity through Women’s Leadership and Inclusion (Women for Peace and Prosperity),” with financial backing from the Government of Switzerland and the ILO. The project underscores the importance of economic empowerment and gender inclusion as pillars of post-crisis recovery and sustainable peace.

As Moldova and Ukraine continue their journeys toward European Union integration, addressing gender inequality in the labour market remains both a legal obligation and a strategic priority. This training, and the capacity it has built among social partners, will play a critical role in translating commitments into measurable progress.

The ILO and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to support Moldova and Ukraine in implementing the principles of equal pay, strengthening national institutions, and fostering a more just and inclusive labour market for all.