Unemployment, low incomes, and enormous expenses: A study reveals the challenges faced daily by mothers of children with disabilities
26 March 09:48
In Ukraine, approximately 160,000 women juggle the roles of mother, medical coordinator, advocate, social worker, and sole source of support for their child every day. A new study by the NGOs “Episprosvita” and “Academy of Knowledge” shows that if you have a child with a disability, you are most likely facing a very precarious future, writes "Komersant Ukrainian".
Here are 5 alarming figures that everyone should see:
1. 40 hours of care per week—that’s a full-time job, but without a salary
Most mothers spend more than 40 hours a week caring for their child. In cases of severe disabilities, this is significantly more, including nighttime care, and can effectively amount to 24/7 work. In reality, this amounts to a full workweek, which makes any stable employment and self-sufficiency for the family impossible. Furthermore, government assistance does not cover the level of physical therapy, medical, and social support needed for children with disabilities and provides only up to 20% of the actual amount required. Therefore, in addition to caring for their child, mothers are forced to constantly seek funds and turn to charitable foundations.
2. 35% of mothers are single
About a third of women raise children alone—they are both the caregiver and the primary source of income. The most common causes of divorce are a child’s diagnosis, financial pressure, and domestic violence. Even in intact families, women rarely have their partners’ support: only about 50% of men are able to step in to care for the child when needed.
3. 40% of families are internally displaced
40% of respondents have IDP status. They have lost social connections, access to healthcare, and job opportunities. For IDPs in rural communities, the situation is even more difficult: a lack of transportation and job openings effectively isolates women from the labor market. A significant portion of mothers live in isolation and lack support. About 25% say they have no one to turn to for regular help. Nearly 70% have no respite time (rest, time alone)—neither paid nor unpaid. At the same time, about 35% of women often or very often go weeks without face-to-face interaction, and about 40% rarely or never receive emotional support.
4. Most families’ income is up to 20,000 UAH per month
Most families live on or below the poverty line. Their main sources of income are social benefits, support from partners, or irregular side jobs. Expenses for treatment and rehabilitation make the financial situation even more critical. Only a few are able to build a financial “safety net.”
5. Psychological and emotional state—on the verge of exhaustion
The study documents high levels of psychological stress:
- 45% of mothers experience moderate or severe anxiety
- 40% have symptoms of depression
- over 50% show signs of parental burnout
- about 15% have thoughts of self-harm
What this means for the country
These figures highlight a massive social problem and economic loss. Women aged 30–45—who are at the peak of their professional careers—are dropping out of the labor market due to a lack of systemic support.
At the same time, most of them are willing to work—on a flexible schedule, remotely, or part-time. But they face barriers—from a lack of caregiving services to discrimination by employers and the risk of losing social benefits. Mothers of children with disabilities constitute a large group of women with high professional potential, which today remains unrealized and marginalized from the labor market.
Follow the link to view the study.
The study was prepared by the NGO “Episprosvita” in collaboration with the NGO “Academy of Knowledge” with the support of the “Askold and Dir” Foundation, administered by ISAR Unity, as part of the project “A Strong Civil Society in Ukraine – A Driver of Reforms and Democracy,” funded by Norway and Sweden.
