In Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, women have taken on unprecedented roles in the workforce. With over 880,000 people leaving their jobs to join the armed forces, women are filling gaps in traditionally male-dominated sectors. They are becoming farmers, factory workers, truck drivers, and miners, with no intention of stopping once the war ends.
Prior to the conflict, Ukraine faced significant challenges in achieving gender equality. Women were often relegated to unpaid care work, and those with formal jobs were concentrated in low-paying sectors. The country had made progress towards greater equality, but much more work remained to be done.
The war has forced a shift in these dynamics, with women taking on new responsibilities. With a population decline of 8 million and over 1 million enlistments in the armed forces, Ukraine’s demographic makeup is drastically changing. Many towns have become predominantly female, with only a handful of men left.
This transformation prompted employers to start hiring women in male-dominated sectors. For women, it represented more than just a temporary wartime reality but an opportunity for broader change. They are seizing this chance to pursue their own ambitions and redefine their roles in Ukraine’s economy and society.
However, history warns against complacency. During World War II, women’s participation in the US workforce surged, only to decline by the end of the decade. To prevent similar outcomes, gender equality must be at the heart of Ukraine’s long-term recovery. The government must implement inclusive workplace policies, including maternity leave and childcare support.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting Ukrainian women’s participation in the economy. Job training programs can equip women with in-demand skills, enabling them to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and economic future. Examples of successful initiatives include Oksana Batiy, who is learning auto mechanics, and Yuliya Teslia, who is driving tractors in agriculture.
Ultimately, women in Ukraine are determined to build a brighter future for themselves and their daughters. As Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative in Ukraine, notes, “They never forget that there will be a day after the war. And when it comes, let’s make sure women stay in the driver’s seat.”
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2024/12/20/if-this-wasnt-france-youd-be-10000-times-more-in-the-sht-macron-hits-out-at-mayotte-reside