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ABSTRACT
This study analyzes the role and readiness of women in the civil defense system of Ukraine and the possibilities of institutionally strengthening their contribution through the adaptation of international experience, in particular the Swedish model of comprehensive defense. The methodology combines quantitative data from a nationally representative survey and qualitative interviews, supplemented by an analysis of regulatory documents and data from open sources. The focus of the work is the interaction of state bodies and civil society, the development of volunteer initiatives and training programs, as well as gender-sensitive aspects of crisis preparedness. The study offers recommendations for integrating the practical experience of volunteer initiatives and training programs into systemic mechanisms for training citizens. The expected impact of these recommendations is also considered at four levels: individual, local, institutional and national. Practical implications relate to the formation of a systemic approach to training citizens and the development of resource mobilization mechanisms. The results emphasize the importance of integrating women into civil defense as a component of a sustainable and flexible security and defense system of Ukraine.
Keywords: women and security, civil defense, comprehensive defense, national resistance, Ukrainian-Swedish cooperation.
CONTENTS
BRIEF SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION
METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE CONCEPT OF TOTAL DEFENSE
1.1 Why Does Ukraine Need Total Defense?
1.2 Summary of Chapter 1
CHAPTER 2. THE CIVIL DEFENSE SYSTEM IN SWEDEN
Summary of Chapter 2
CHAPTER 3. SVENSKA LOTTAKÅREN: SWEDEN’S AUXILIARY WOMEN’S DEFENCE CORPS
3.1 Case Study Analysis: Legal Framework, Functions, Responsibilities, and Organizational Programs
3.2 An overview of the organization’s training courses and identification of those adaptable to the Ukrainian context.
3.3 Summary of Chapter 3
CHAPTER 4. UKRAINE: FROM CIVIL PROTECTION TO TOTAL DEFENSE
4.1 Legislative Foundations and the Transformation of Civil Protection into Total Defense
4.2 Implementing Total Defense Principles in Practice
CHAPTER 5. WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN CIVIL READINESS AS A COMPONENT OF TOTAL DEFENSE
5.1 Social Motivations and Challenges to Women’s Participation in the Civil Readiness System
5.2 Women’s Grassroots Initiatives in Civil Readiness: From Ad Hoc Practices to Systemic Models
5.3 Summary of Chapter 5
CHAPTER 6. CONCLUSIONS
6.1. PROPOSAL FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SWEDISH SYSTEM IN UKRAINE
6.2. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCING THE CIVIL DEFENSE SYSTEM IN UKRAINE
6.3. POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTATION SCENARIOS: From Pilot Projects to Institutionalization
The Most Realistic Scenario: Piloting and Incremental Scaling
Contingency Scenario: A Civil Society Initiative
6.4. EXPECTED IMPACT of Recommendations Across Four Levels
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCE
Appendix A. National Survey Structure
BRIEF SUMMARY
This report examines the readiness of Ukrainian society to participate in civil defense and provides recommendations for the institutional and civic development of the system, particularly focusing on the gender dimension and the role of women in strengthening community resilience.
In the Ukrainian context, civil defense is still undergoing transformation: from a centralized model of state paternalism to a partnership-based total defense model, where all citizens actively contribute to the security and resilience of their communities. The high potential of Ukrainian civil society has already been demonstrated during the war through numerous volunteer and educational initiatives, which effectively implement total defense principles from the bottom up, mirroring the Swedish total defense model.
The study examines the current state of Ukrainian civil society’s preparedness for civil defense during the full-scale war. The results of a representative survey show that only 14.7% of citizens have undergone civil defense training since the outbreak of the war. At the same time, 43% of respondents believe that civilians should actively participate in emergency response, while 48% are ready to join after receiving appropriate training. These data demonstrate a high level of civic motivation, which, as the study shows, requires formalization and systematization through structured training and support programs.
Based on these results, the study proposes concrete steps to improve Ukraine’s civil defense system. Firstly, it is recommended to integrate civil security courses into existing programs of Centers for National Resistance Training, non-governmental organizations, and the State Emergency Service (SES). Special emphasis is placed on crisis response, evacuation, debris clearance, and other practical skills that enhance community readiness.
Secondly, the study highlights the need to establish a certification system and regular retraining for male and female volunteers. This will not only ensure that knowledge remains up-to-date but also strengthen the trust of communities and state authorities in the individuals involved.
The importance of institutionalizing women’s initiatives and civil society organizations was further emphasized. Supporting networks of women trainers and leaders in civil preparedness will facilitate gender mainstreaming in security policy, address women’s needs, strengthen social resilience, and foster the development of horizontal networks of trust.
The study also proposes a decentralized governance structure capable of responding swiftly to regional needs and integrating state programs, local communities, and civil society organizations. A study of the Swedish experience suggests that adapting the 'Lottakåren' model to Ukrainian realities will transform 'enthusiastic chaos' into an institutional pillar of total defense. The Ukrainian model, as emphasized in the study, should be built on the principles of equality, civic engagement, local resilience, and trust between the state and the community.
Overall, such an approach not only ensures security but also fosters a new culture of civic responsibility, where every citizen — regardless of gender — becomes an active participant in national defense.
The research was conducted by the CSO "Expert Resource Gender in Detail" as part of the project “Gender Mainstreaming in the Context of Comprehensive Defence”, funded by the grant “Best Practices of the Swedish Gender Approach as a Tool for Empowering Ukrainian Women to Implement Sustainable Reforms and Promote Ukraine’s European Integration”, with financial support from the Swedish Institute and in partnership with the Swedish International Liberal Centre.
The project draws on gender mainstreaming practices within Sweden’s comprehensive defence system and represents the first attempt in the Ukrainian context to explore the possibilities of implementing a Swedish-style comprehensive defence strategy in Ukraine while simultaneously integrating a gender perspective across key sectors, including the economy, care work, the armed forces, civil defence, governance, information policy, and the volunteer movement.
The project’s concept author and project lead is Tamara Zlobina, PhD in Philosophy and Head of the CSO "Expert Resource Gender in Detail".
Project mentors and reviewers of the analytical reports:
Olena Strelnyk, Doctor of Sociological Sciences
Hanna Hrytsenko, Gender Expert
Project managers: Alyona Hruzina, Halyna Repetska
