The Ministry of Defense is implementing NATO standards for gender equality in the Ukrainian army
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine plans to conduct a gender analysis and identify institutional obstacles that prevent the implementation of equality programs in the Armed Forces. This was reported by the press service of the department based on the results of the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in the educational program “Change Makers”.
Representatives of the Ministry of Defense took part in an international conference in Brussels, where they discussed the integration of women in the military sphere. The event brought together participants from the Canadian Armed Forces, the Nordic Center for Gender Issues in Military Operations (Sweden), the European Union, and leading international organizations engaged in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
Diana Kopanytsia, head of the humanitarian support department of the Ministry of Defense, noted that the “Change Makers” program gave the Ukrainian delegation a “unique opportunity” to exchange experience with NATO partners.
“This will help us more effectively implement Alliance standards, optimally using the potential of both women and men in various areas of defense”, – said the official.
After returning to Kyiv, program participants will present their knowledge to the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and conduct a gender analysis to identify obstacles to the implementation of equality programs.
“Changemakers” is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Canadian PROTECT2 project, which is financed by the Ministry of National Defense of Canada and implemented by Alinea International. The goal of the project is to support the government of Ukraine in the development of defense sector institutions.
According to the Ministry of Defense, as of April 1, 2024, 67,285 women served in the Armed Forces, of which 47,569 were military personnel, and more than 5,000 women were on the front line.
