Contemporary resistance of Ukrainian women – in the revolution and in the war

Abstract

The fundamental principles of democracy provide for the creation of equal opportunities for personal self-realization regardless of gender, age, nationality and social origin. Ukraine, as a democratic state of law, has taken responsibility for ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, protecting them against all forms of violence and discrimination based on gender. Due to the aggression of the Russian Federation, the issue of gender equality in Ukraine has been constantly undergoing active changes since 2014, and since 2022, when the fullscale war began, these changes are becoming more and more profound. The article analyzes the question concerning gender equality in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, changes in the image of women warriors in public discourse and politicians’ statements, as well as the impact of inequality on Ukrainian society. Will the changes in legal norms fill the gap with gender inequality, and how are these changes perceived by Ukrainian citizens who defend their country?