Ukrainian women in the war against Russian aggression: exploring their role in the military and politics

The full-scale invasion and the ongoing war Russia started against Ukraine placed Ukrainian women in a unique position to pick up arms and defend their motherland. In the military, Ukrainian women have actively participated, challenging gender norms and breaking stereotypes about the status of women in combat. The thesis gives a historical, theoretical, and case-based overview of the conflict, describing the laws and policies that govern women's conditions and highlighting the importance of focusing on women's experiences, in both military and political areas. However, their experiences right after the start of the war have also exposed the gender inequalities that persist in the armed forces; for many years it has been difficult to receive formal recognition for your military status and benefits. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study also examines the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1325 on "Women, Peace, and Security" in Ukraine and the follow-up national plans to face the remaining challenges in ensuring gender equality in the military. The thesis examines the experiences of Ukrainian women as victims of conflict-related violence, including sexual violence and the experiences of female military personnel held captive. It also examines how women have helped with relief and recovery efforts as well as peace negotiations. By offering a thorough analysis of Ukrainian women's experiences and their contributions to various aspects of the war, it complements the body of knowledge already available.