Women in Ukraine's Military: An Opportunity for Change

Apr 28, 2020 | Hannah Hrytsenko
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While UN Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security urges countries to increase the participation of women in the military through a top-down approach, in Ukraine, this process has emerged in the reversed direction – a grassroots initiative brought legal changes. The fact that many Ukrainian women have joined the military has been influenced considerably by the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Women began to increase their voluntary participation both in official military forces and in volunteer battalions to fight against the invasion of Russian troops in 2014. In parallel, a grassroots movement of women in the military and women veterans has developed an advocacy campaign named “Invisible Battalion”. These women achieved strong, visible results, including equal rights to serve in the military service now formalized in a legal framework. Social inclusion, career opportunities, and influence in decision-making processes have been dramatically enhanced and increased for women in the military.

Still, these achievements are not sufficient and require both, further development and larger recognition. One of the most important feminist principles of combating violence is identifying the perpetrator and avoiding victim-blaming. Regarding the war in Ukraine, I therefore suggest that the international community strengthen sanctions on Russia as well as encourage both conflict sides to strongly adhere to international humanitarian law and to prosecute international crimes. Within the Ukrainian military, there is a strong potential for changes, which should be reckoned with by the international community that supports security sector reform in Ukraine. Most international programming and funding that address gender equality in Ukraine focus on the civilian parts of the security sector, while, in turn, assistance programs to the defense sector barely mention gender equality. International cooperation should focus on the intersection of these two issues. Based on the principles of UN Resolution 1325 on “Women, Peace, Security”, this means including gender equality into international programming, using the Ukrainian experience as an example of other militaries, and further work in different focal areas.