Women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU): Stereotypes and Progress

For over a year, Russia has been waging a war of aggression against Ukraine. In this conflict, women are taking on an increasingly significant role in the civil and military defense of their country. They make up more than one-fifth of the total personnel in the armed forces: in addition to 38,000 women in uniform, there are also civilians serving within the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). Together, this totals more than 50,000 women, over 5,000 of whom are currently fighting on the front lines. Compared to 2013, the number of female AFU members has doubled, indicating a strong momentum with which women are joining the military: the number of female officers has nearly tripled—currently reaching 5,000—and the number of female officer cadets has nearly quadrupled. This represents one of the highest ratios compared to NATO member states.

For the study "Women in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU): Stereotypes and Progress," Dr. Yuliia Siedaia surveyed around 100 female military personnel representing various military professions. The interviews provide insight into stereotypes regarding women in the modern Ukrainian army, the primary manifestations of sexism that women in the AFU face, and the extent of sexual harassment within the AFU.

Dr. Yuliia Siedaia is a professor, activist, manager of socio-political projects, and expert on gender parity in politics based in Kharkiv. This study was produced as part of a collaboration between KAS Kharkiv and EAF Berlin for the project "Together for Democracy".