Discrimination Against Women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Realities and Challenges

A female servicemember of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who also serves as the chair of the Supervisory Board of the New Europe Center, has bravely shared her experiences of discrimination encountered during her military service. She recounted the moment she first realized the true nature of discrimination when a colleague remarked that the commander of the unit she aspired to join did not hire women. Her sister-in-arms' words were shocking: 'Don't you know? He doesn't take women.'

This situation reflects the deep-seated gender stereotypes that prevail within the military. 'I believe that a woman has no place in war, but since you are already here...' — these words she heard emphasize that even at a time when women hold high positions in society, outdated views on the role of women still exist in the military.

Despite the fact that women in Ukraine can hold combat positions such as infantry, snipers, and artillery, everyday sexism and discrimination remain serious issues. 'It's not just about formal rules, but also about the everyday attitudes of men,' she noted, highlighting that many men in the military do not regard women as equal colleagues.

The author of the article also shared her personal experience, stating that in her 37 years of life and as a mother of four, she had never encountered such prejudice as she did during her military service. 'It doesn't matter how skilled you are, it doesn't matter how professional you are. You can work no worse or better than your male colleagues, but it doesn't matter. Competence is never enough. You are 'worse' simply because you are a woman,' she emphasized.

She provided an example of a man who made a mistake by filling a gasoline generator with diesel fuel, and no one paid attention to it. In contrast, if a woman were to make such a mistake, it would be remembered for a long time, reinforcing the prevailing prejudice: 'Of course, it's a woman, what do you expect from her?'

Currently, approximately 100,000 women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, making up one in ten of the total military personnel. However, as one approaches the front lines, the number of women performing combat tasks decreases significantly — only about 7,000 women are engaged in combat roles. In the author's unit in the combat zone, there are only four women serving.

The author reflects on the reasons why men feel so uncomfortable with the presence of women in war. She believes this may be linked to their need to preserve a 'unique' role as protectors, as well as an unacknowledged competitiveness where men fear losing. 'This is certainly a problem for men, but women suffer from it,' she noted.

She also pointed out that there are units where many women serve, such as the Third Assault Brigade and the Medical Volunteer Battalion 'Hospitallers,' where misogyny and discrimination are unacceptable. However, such units are few and far between.

Women can succeed in the military, but often this success comes with the burden of having to prove their capabilities in an environment that is not always ready to accept them. 'Sometimes I think: is this the behavior of a servicemember of the Armed Forces of Ukraine? Are such words or actions worthy of a Ukrainian officer?' she questions.

In conclusion, the author reaches out to female servicemembers, urging them not to give up: 'Sisters, if you have experienced or are experiencing something similar, it is not about you. It is never about you. It is about them. And for us — reasonable people — we have our own work to do. And perhaps, in the not-so-distant future, women's service in the military will simply be normal for everyone, and the bullying of women in the army will be as wild as witch hunts.'

This article was published with the author's permission.