Empowering Ukrainian Women: Redefining Roles in Times of War
With the escalating war efforts in Ukraine, women across the nation are embracing non-traditional roles previously dominated by men. Beyond the military sphere, they are actively engaging in heading platoons, repairing machinery, and achieving double the impact, reshaping societal norms.
Most of the men in Oksana Rubanyak’s platoon are at least 10 years older than her. Before the war, having a young woman in charge of an all-male Ukrainian military unit might have raised some eyebrows. But as the platoon gears up for a frontline deployment during Ukraine's struggle against Russian advances, factors like gender and age are no longer significant, according to Rubanyak.
This marks a significant shift from when she initially enlisted in the army two years ago.
Women are now being recognized and promoted to combat positions and officer roles in the military. It's not just about medical or headquarters roles anymore, as female soldiers are actively participating in assaults, according to a CNN interview.
The number of women in the military has seen a significant increase since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Official statistics show that there are now over 62,000 women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with more than 5,000 of them stationed in the combat zone, including 21-year-old Rubanyak.
Residents of the easters Ukrainian village of Zhelanie choosing to be evacuated due to ongoing shelling (source: Anna-Maja Rappard/CNN)
Residents of the easters Ukrainian village of Zhelanie choosing to be evacuated due to ongoing shelling (source: Anna-Maja Rappard/CNN)
Anna Maja Rappard/CNN
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Rubanyak, who was only 19 years old when she volunteered to join the Ukrainian army, served near Bakhmut. She was the sole woman in her platoon and operated a heavy machine gun. Despite doing the same tasks as the men, she faced some bias, with some men attempting to prevent her from carrying heavy weapons.
"I heard people talking behind my back, speculating that I must be someone's daughter and that my father would help me advance. It was a new experience for many, with everyone searching for a nonexistent catch," she shared.
Despite noting several positive changes over the past two years, she acknowledged that there is still progress to be made. "It all requires time," she emphasized. "While the conditions for women to enlist in the army are now in place, it ultimately comes down to their choice."
Working two jobs
As more and more Ukrainians join the war effort, the country’s women are increasingly stepping in – and not just in the military.
The exact number of people who have joined the Ukrainian armed forces in the past two years is not made public by the government. Despite this, it is evident that hundreds of thousands have chosen to leave their regular jobs to serve in the military.
Ukrainian servicemen prepare a M777 howitzer to fire toward Russian troops at a position near a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine January 14, 2024. REUTERS/Stringer
Ukrainian soldiers are getting ready to fire a M777 howitzer towards Russian troops near the front line in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine on January 14, 2024. This action is taking place amidst Russia's attack on Ukraine. The image was captured by a Reuters photographer.
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With upcoming military conscription, employers are now dealing with a challenge of finding replacements for drafted men. Meanwhile, many women have left the country to seek safety overseas.
The National Bank of Ukraine reports that there is currently a shortage of approximately 60,000 skilled workers across the country. This number has increased by around 20,000 compared to last year.
With many job vacancies remaining unfilled, women are stepping up to help out. In Ukraine, there are organizations and companies offering training programs specifically for women in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Halyna Shevchenko has experienced this personally. She is employed in the repair department of the Ukrainian Railways in the Poltava region. In the past, she led a team of 10 men who were responsible for repairing intricate parts of railway cars. However, when two of her male colleagues were called to serve in the military, the company struggled to find replacements with the necessary skills.
So, Shevchenko began learning technical skills and now performs some repairs on her own. With women comprising 40% of Ukrainian Railways' workforce, she is probably not the only one.
"We have tasks where male colleagues set everything up for me, and then I complete them because they need assistance. Before the war, I had never done this independently; I only oversaw the process," she shared with CNN.
The new tasks – and the war – have significantly increased her workload.
Halyna Shevchenko, left, is among the Ukrainian women stepping up during the war to do what have traditionally been seen as "men's jobs."
Halyna Shevchenko, on the left in the picture, is one of the Ukrainian women who have taken on roles traditionally considered to be for men during the war.
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Ukrainian Railways shared with CNN that out of their 190,000 employees, 10,200 have been called into action, with 600 sadly losing their lives in the conflict. Since the war started, the railways have become crucial for Ukraine as Russia's attacks have disrupted air travel and shipping in the Black Sea.
During this time, the railways have transported over 40 million passengers and large amounts of goods. Additionally, the company has launched specialized services for the military, such as trains for injured soldiers to be evacuated.
Shevchenko's team is responsible for carrying out additional repairs due to the circumstances.
Shevchenko mentioned, "I am a techie, similar to my coworkers. This allows us to communicate on the same level. We work together to tackle challenging repairs."
War and the economy
Kernel, one of Ukraine’s largest agricultural producers and exporters, has also started to look for solutions to the worker shortages.
"There is a lack of women and men in the job market. To address this, we have reduced the qualifications needed for applicants and implemented training programs for individuals to learn how to become a laboratory assistant or machine operator from the beginning," shared Natalia Teryakhina, HR director at Kernel, in an interview with CNN.
In addition, the company is now providing training for women to work as boiler operators, a role that was traditionally not pursued by women before the war.
"We piloted this project to show that women can work in traditionally male-dominated fields. The experiment was a success, and all the women involved are still working," she shared.
Shevchenko expressed her commitment to continue working in the "man's job" of repairing railway cars for as long as necessary. She has developed a strong bond with her team and feels valued and respected by them.
“As long as I have enough health and strength, I will do everything to help my colleagues as much as possible – until the end, until we win,” she said.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the remarkable transformation in gender roles within the Ukrainian military and civilian workforce amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Women are now actively serving in combat positions and taking on traditionally male-dominated roles in various sectors, challenging stereotypes and proving their capabilities. This shift is not only a testament to the resilience and determination of Ukrainian women but also a reflection of the urgent need for all hands on deck in the face of adversity.
Despite the progress made, the article acknowledges that biases and challenges persist, and more work is needed to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for women in the post-war landscape. The government and organizations must continue to support initiatives that empower women and encourage them to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. By embracing diversity and inclusion, Ukraine can harness the full potential of its citizens and build a more equitable and prosperous future for all. their unwavering spirit and determination to support their country during these challenging times.
