GENDER DIFFERENCES AMONG NEET YOUTH IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

In the context of socio-economic transformation and the Republic of Moldova’s accession to the European Union, the issue of NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) youth has become increasingly relevant, as it poses a significant risk to the sustainability and competitiveness of the national economy. Particular attention is paid to the gender dimension, as men and women enter the NEET category for different socio-economic reasons, resulting in unequal effects on the labor market and social stability.

The purpose of this article is to analyze gender differences among NEET youth in the Republic of Moldova and to assess their economic and social implications in the context of European integration. The methodological framework is based on data from the National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova, the International Labour Organization, Eurostat, and the World Bank. The study employs comparative, dynamic, and structural analysis methods.

The results indicate that the NEET rate among women in the Republic of Moldova consistently exceeds that of men, particularly in the 15–29 age group. For young women, family responsibilities, childcare, and limited access to flexible employment are the main contributing factors, whereas unemployment and labor migration prevail among men. These gender disparities contribute to human capital losses, reduced employment levels, and increased social vulnerability.

The article substantiates the need for gender-oriented active labor market policies aimed at reducing the share of NEET youth and enhancing the sustainability of the Moldovan economy in the context of its European integration. The article was developed within Subprogram 030101 “Strengthening the resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability of the Moldovan economy in the context of the European Union accession process”, institutional funding.