Ukraine Advances Gender Equality Efforts

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska has called for continued action on gender equality during wartime, highlighting government efforts on labor reform, budgeting and protections against sexual violence. She spoke at the 13th thematic meeting of the commission coordinating executive bodies on equal rights and opportunities for women and men.

Representatives from several ministries presented updates on their work, while the meeting also addressed Ukraine’s commitments to European Union integration, interagency coordination and international cooperation. Zelenska said gender equality should be reflected in laws, government programs and budgets rather than postponed until after the war.

She also discussed a draft Labor Code that the government resubmitted to parliament in September. Zelenska said the legislation should improve opportunities for people balancing employment with childcare or care for elderly relatives, expand flexible work arrangements and help reduce the gender pay gap.

The meeting’s final session focused on combating sexual violence and implementing legislation providing legal and social protections for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. Zelenska said recent amendments require commanders in Ukraine’s armed forces to investigate complaints of sexual harassment or discrimination and protect complainants from retaliation.

According to Zelenska, more than 1,000 people affected by sexual violence allegedly committed by Russian forces have received urgent interim reparations through a pilot project supported by the Global Survivors Fund. The government has also adopted a resolution allowing additional survivors to receive payments.