Ukraine: Shrinking job markets and uncertain futures for the displaced

Once-thriving agricultural and industrial regions now face widespread unemployment, while financial barriers limit access to essential services like housing, healthcare, and education. Women, in particular, experience heightened economic hardship, often relying on humanitarian aid as job opportunities shrink.

Tetiana*, a young mother of a toddler born after the full-scale invasion, has been aware of economic struggles. “We lived in Mezenivka, a small village bordering the Russian Federation. Together with my husband, we fled our hometown soon after hostilities erupted."

In spring 2022, they searched for accommodation in Sumy but could only afford to rent an outbuilding with no running water and heating from a small stove. “We moved in and then found out we were going to have a baby."

Her pregnancy was difficult, compounded by the stress of constant uncertainty. "Finding housing was nearly impossible. There wasn’t enough for everyone, and prices were outrageous. Landlords demanded payments in advance, and many properties were only available through real estate agents. We couldn’t afford it." Ultimately, they had to move in with her in-laws outside the city.

Losing work, losing options

Tetiana worked at the Sumy dairy factory, enduring cold warehouse shifts and exhausting night hours. With the escalation of the war in February 2022, salaries were cut, but she held on — until the company pressured her to resign. They offered double pay for a month, then forced her to leave just before she could claim maternity leave. With a difficult pregnancy requiring long hospital stays, she had no choice but to accept.

With her husband’s job lost to the war and no stable income, securing even basic necessities became a daily challenge. Their financial difficulties were compounded by rising living costs, making it nearly impossible to plan for the future.

“Everything is expensive — rent, food, healthcare. How can you think about tomorrow when you’re struggling to make ends meet today?”

According to the World Bank, more than 9 million people in Ukraine are estimated to be living in poverty, an increase of 1.8 million people since February 2022. Additionally, based on IOM estimates, approximately 20 million people live with a monthly household income per person below the minimum threshold defined by the Ministry of Social Protection (UAH 7,065, equivalent to approximately 162 EUR).

A fragile stability

Tetiana’s son was born with health complications, adding to their struggles. "We stayed with my husband's parents in Yusupivka, Sumy Oblast, for almost three and a half months." They saved money where they could, but medical expenses piled up. "We used part of our money to pay for extra massages… He had hypertension on his left side, and doctors advised us to take a course of rehabilitation therapy."

Meanwhile, finding stable housing remained a challenge. "There was not enough housing for everyone, and prices were absurd." Eventually, they found a flat in Sumy by chance. “Our current landlady simply posted a listing… ‘Everything is there, come and live.’”

With support from DRC and UHF, they received 32,400 UAH (approximately 745 EUR) in multi-purpose cash assistance. “We were able to pay rent in advance, cover our utilities, and even afford the medical care our child needed.”

The assistance allowed them to enrol their son in rehabilitation sessions, crucial for overcoming early health challenges. “We paid for massage therapy, which was essential for our baby’s development. Without that help, I don’t know what we would have done.”

Her husband now works in a penal colony, finding solace in routine after losing his brother in the war. “My husband cares only about our child and his job. That’s his only joy now.”

Tetiana, still recovering from the hardships of pregnancy and displacement, dreams of returning to work one day. “Honestly, I’m planning to return from maternity leave. And I really want to go back to work.” But after everything, she knows she needs something better than exhausting shifts at the dairy.

The long-term consequences of war extend far beyond immediate destruction, disrupting livelihoods and deepening economic insecurity. The loss of stable employment, limited childcare options, and financial instability make it increasingly difficult for families to rebuild their lives. For many women, especially mothers, the road to recovery remains an ongoing struggle shaped by factors beyond their control.

*Name changed for safety purposes.