The war in Ukraine erases decades of progress in the field of women’s rights and safety

The UN agency warned that the comprehensive war caused a setback for a whole generation of Ukrainian women, as they face an increase in the exposure to gender -based violence; And high unemployment rates; Decreases decision -making authority; And increase home burdens; And a severe psychological health crisis.

The gender -based violence, which was already raised before the war, increased by 36 percent since 2022. Psychological hardship associated with war contributed to this increase in gender -based violence and domestic violence, and in high depression rates between women and girls.

Lack of economic opportunities

Women do not have equal opportunities in the economy. In 2023, women made up 72.5 percent of the unemployed. By 2024, only 48 percent of displaced women were working, compared to 71 percent of men. Women also gained 41.4 percent less than men in 2023, doubled the wage gap since 2021.

Unpaid work and home care increased, as women spend 56 hours a week to care for children in 2024, up from 49 hours before the war. The closure of children’s care facilities has exacerbated this burden.

Despite the tremendous challenges, women lead resistance. Women have played leadership roles in the humanitarian field, as they are leaders of civil society, social stimuli, and business pioneers – and today one of all two companies in Ukraine is an institution by a woman. New opportunities are also opened for women in sectors that were previously dominated by men, such as security, transportation and mines removal.

The United Nations Women said that women in Ukraine need more than ever to aid to save their lives, support to restore access to their rights, and lead in decision -making regarding the future of Ukraine.

UN support for Ukrainian women

Sabine Fraser Guns, representative of the United Nations Women in Ukraine, said: “Promotion of donors for women -led Ukrainian organizations and programs is very important so that they can continue to enhance gender equality, women’s rights and leadership. Full women’s participation will be necessary to rebuild Ukraine as a community of gender equality and respond to – in all areas of society, economy and political life.”

She added that in 2024, the authority supported more than 180,000 women and an affected by the war in Ukraine, including through the Women’s Fund for Peace and Humanitarian Action.

The United Nations Women provides humanitarian aid to save life; And legal psychological support; Protection services and responses for sexual violence associated with the conflict; And economic empowerment programs to help women generate income for themselves and their families.

The authority supports adopting laws to advance women to obtain rights and their participation in decision -making and public policies throughout Ukraine.

The authority called for investing in empowering women and gender equality in all efforts to recover and development. It also called for the renewal of support for women’s rights organizations and women leaders to provide humanitarian assistance and participate in early recovery and peace operations.