Collection of English Literature on Gender Issues in Ukraine

The purpose of this collection is to make it easier for academic scholars as well as other interested readers to access knowledge about Ukrainian gender issues in English. Considering that all political and social spheres in Ukraine are intertwined with gender issues, this collection was limited to research that has gender as its primary focus. Publications that address Ukrainians living outside of Ukraine are not included, nor are historical publications unless they link directly to present-time issues. The publications are divided into themes, hence covering gender inequality in labour market participation, political power, family relations, gender-based violence, cultural understandings of feminism, femininity and masculinity, LGBT-issues and activism. To grasp the relative level of gender equality in Ukraine, wide-reaching cross-national reports are included. Within each theme, the content of the publications and their most important findings are briefly described. The material was compiled by Ane Kristiansen.

Попередні Теми Сезону

Research "Barriers preventing women from entering military service and institutional solutions to overcome them"

Daryna Zavhorodnia, Mariia Zviahintseva, Anna Pashkina

More and more women are joining the Defence Forces, and the overall share of women in the military — including in combat roles — continues to grow. However, even in 2025, women still face obstacles when trying to enlist or advance within the armed forces. Some of these challenges are common to all service members, regardless of gender, while others are gender-specific.

Детальніше »

Research "Technologization of war: expanding opportunities for women’s economic participation"

Mariia Krymova, Maryna Rudenko, Snizhana Shevchenko

Women’s participation in the defense technology sector remains low due to systemic barriers. Gender integration in the military technology sector is not only a matter of equity, but also a strategic necessity for Ukraine’s defense capability.

Детальніше »

Gender sensitivity in government communications in the defence sector

The study analyzed the gender sensitivity of state communications in the defense sector of Ukraine in the context of a full-scale war.

Детальніше »

Pathways to Recognition: The Evolution of LGBTIQ+ Rights and the Institution of Marriage under Conditions of War, Authoritarianism, and Democracy (Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia)

Julia Holub, Gleb Veng

How does the legal status of LGBTIQ+ people change depending on the political regime? Why has the institution of marriage become a key tool in the struggle for equal rights? This study looks at three countries with radically different approaches, their dynamics of change, and the consequences for millions of people.

Детальніше »

Some aspects of recovery in Ukraine: how gender-sensitive is it?

Hanna Hrytsenko

The common image of reconstruction is rebuilding physically destroyed buildings, but the foremost victims of war are people. The article covers three areas: veteran policy, support for victims of conflict-related sexual violence, and the economic empowerment of women in the face of war.

Детальніше »

The history of sexism in the Ukrainian army

Hanna Hrytsenko

This text is a brief overview of the main manifestations of sexism in the army over a certain period and a presentation of the most egregious cases. The article concludes with recommendations for change that civil society should advocate for.

Детальніше »

Sexual Harassment in the Armed Forces in Ukraine and Worldwide

Hanna Hrytsenko

Sexual harassment and sexual violence are present in all armies of the world. Why does this phenomenon exist and how is it being addressed? What is known about Ukraine?

Детальніше »

Feminism in Ukraine is always anti-colonial

Galyna Kotliuk

Russian Imperialism has created many myths about Ukrainians and cannot be understood without a gender lense. Ukrainians are today persistently striving to uphold their national identity and advance gender emancipation, drawing parallels with the women’s movement in Ukraine a century ago.

Детальніше »

Defend the Motherland without discrimination: LGBT+ people in the armies of the world and Ukraine

Hanna Hrytsenko

In times of full-scale war, the Armed Forces of Ukraine need human resources and a well-designed recruitment policy more than ever. How to ensure that LGBT+ people can serve in the army without discrimination? What problems do Ukrainian LGBT+ military personnel face today? How has the LGBT+ community fought for their right to military service in different countries around the world?

Детальніше »

Narratives in Ukrainian politics about the LGBT+ community

Daryna Zavhorodnia

Generally, the political parties that made up the 9th convocation of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declaratively share these liberal democratic values. However, some of them might hold varying positions and put forward legislative initiatives that do not match the declared values, and do not prioritize the protection and promotion of the rights of the LGBT+ community.

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