Ukrainian Defense Ministry Implements NATO Standards for Gender Equality

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense is advancing NATO standards on gender equality through the educational program “Change Makers,” aimed at fostering gender equality principles within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and facilitating experience sharing with NATO partners.

According to the Ministry’s press service, representatives participated in an international event in Brussels focused on the integration of women in the military sector. The “Change Makers” initiative brought together Ukrainian and international experts, gender advisors, policymakers, and practitioners in humanitarian security.

Participants worked to enhance knowledge and skills in gender integration, aligning the policies and practices of the Ukrainian Armed Forces with NATO standards and the United Nations Security Council Resolution on “Women, Peace, and Security.”

Major Diana Kopanytsia, head of the Humanitarian Support Department of the Ministry of Defense, stated, “The 'Change Makers' program provided a unique opportunity to exchange experiences with NATO partners. We not only adopted best practices but also shared our own insights gained during wartime. This will help us implement alliance standards more effectively, optimizing the potential of both women and men in various defense areas.”

Upon returning to Kyiv, participants plan to present the acquired knowledge to their operational leadership, including conducting a gender analysis to identify institutional barriers to equality program implementation.

Liudmyla Darahan, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, emphasized that Ukraine has made significant progress in advancing gender equality, particularly within the Armed Forces and civil service, aligning with European standards. She highlighted that promoting women’s active participation and implementing inclusive strategies are crucial steps toward Ukraine’s European integration.

Currently, there are 68,000 women enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with over 48,000 serving as active duty members.