Elena Grishanina provides vital assistance in emergency situations. Ukraine: Women on the Front Line Women
The conflict, which began with the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has had a profound impact on all aspects of Ukrainian society. Some of the most visible and inspiring stories of life amid the conflict have been the women who have shown incredible resilience, courage, and leadership in the face of adversity.
“I’m not really a heroine, I’m just a medic,” says Tetyana Putria, a nurse from the Kherson region. “Sometimes we’re scared to go to certain areas. But I love my job. I love people and I try to help them in any way I can.”
According to UN Women data presented in February 2024, over the past few years, Ukrainian women have created more than ten thousand new companies, 62 thousand women serve in the army, 43,479 of whom are on active combat duty and five thousand are fighting at the front.
Leaders and Activists
Amid the ongoing fighting, Ukrainian women have often emerged as prominent leaders and activists. A growing number of female politicians, journalists, and human rights activists are working to ensure that the voices of all Ukrainians are heard. Women are organizing humanitarian efforts and providing shelter and support to displaced families. Their tireless work highlights the important role women play in society during the crisis and in bringing global attention to Ukraine’s problems.
Humanitarian Front
The humanitarian aspect of the war has had a disproportionate impact on women and children. With many men drafted into the army, women had to take on the role of primary breadwinners in their families amidst resource scarcity and constant risks.
“There are moments of despair,” admits maternity ward doctor Darina Kucher from the Nikolaev region. “But you still continue to do your job, which saves lives. And then recent patients send you photos of their children with words of gratitude, and you understand that you are in the right place.”
Women’s organizations are also actively involved in documenting human rights violations and advocating for the protection of civilians. Their work is important to ensure that the international community remains aware of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and that justice is eventually done.
Challenges and Resilience
The war has exacerbated gender-based violence and economic hardship, creating additional hardship for women. Many have lost their homes and livelihoods. The psychological impact of the conflict has been disproportionate. Ukrainian women make up 56 percent of the roughly four million internally displaced people and more than half of those in need of humanitarian aid this year.
“I understand the nature of the psycho-emotional stress that we are all experiencing now,” says Dr. Alisa Telegina from the Odessa region. – At some point, you need to take medication to deal with stress. I haven’t reached that critical point yet. Sometimes there are breakdowns, but I quickly come to my senses.”
“You can’t lose faith in goodness”
The crisis caused by the war became an incentive to draw more attention to issues of gender equality and recognition of the role of women in the reconstruction of post-war Ukraine. There are a growing number of initiatives to promote women’s leadership and voice in peacebuilding and reconstruction.
“These dark times provide us with an opportunity to reconsider our priorities and values,” shares Dr. Natalya Tkachuk from Volyn region. – I learned to see the bright side of people. You must not lose faith in goodness.”
This material uses photographic portraits taken by Ukrainian women photographers for the exhibition “Voices of the Brave,” which is currently taking place in Kyiv with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
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