The Ukrainian Feminist Network for Freedom and Democracy participated in the “WOMEN IN POWER: UKRAINE” high-level European Dialogue. The gathering, which featured the presentation of the Ukrainian edition of Confronting the 10 Traps of Power, brought together vital voices to discuss political leadership and how women shape democratic culture during wartime.
Ukraine remains strong thanks to military service and the fact that women are holding the country together. Throughout the event, several critical themes emerged regarding the realities of female leadership, societal expectations, and the ongoing fight for true equality.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, Head of the Center for Civil Liberties and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, emphasized the undeniable role of women in Ukraine’s resilience. Reflecting on past criticisms where she was dismissed as just a “young girl,” she noted that the insult never deterred her. During the Revolution of Dignity, it was young girls who bravely documented evidence and preserved the memory of the fallen. She offered a powerful reminder: in a society with true gender equality, authorities do not shoot peaceful demonstrators. Women must support women today so that future generations of girls do not have to endure the same struggles.
The Myth of the “Ordinary Woman”
During the panel on shaping democratic culture, Yana Honcharenko, Director of Communications and Sustainability at Starlight Media, highlighted a frustrating paradox. While the media strives for a 50% representation goal and focus groups claim they want to see “ordinary women,” the public’s definition of “ordinary” is practically superhuman. Audiences expect a woman who works full-time, raises children, pursues self-development, manages a side business, and looks flawless while doing it all.
Fighting the Backlash
There is a growing global trend of regression that Ukrainian leaders are fighting to resist. Yevheniia Kravchuk, Member of Parliament, warned that the word “gender” is increasingly being treated as a stop-word and cut from discourse, though she expressed hope that Ukraine will not follow this path. Anka Feldhusen, the Business Ombudsman of Ukraine, noted that progress is sliding backward, even in diplomacy, where she still predominantly meets male CEOs. (She also humorously apologized for not changing her title to “Ombudswoman” due to bureaucratic hurdles). Feldhusen emphasized that every European should see the stark reality of Ukrainian strength—such as the image of an elderly woman selling vegetables beside a bombed building.
To combat this regression, Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, provided a clear directive: women need to assert themselves in every space, otherwise, those spaces will revert to being entirely male-dominated.
Eurointegration as a Foundation, Not an Add-on
Mariia Ionova, Member of Parliament, reminded the audience that the Revolution of Dignity proved women are not limited to education or social issues; they are equally capable in finance and security. Because of this, Eurointegration does not just bring gender equality as a supplementary benefit—it is the very basis without which nothing else will work. When advocating for gender quotas to reach 30% representation in parliament, the key was uniting on shared values.
Olena Kondratyuk, Vice-Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, observed that many changes have occurred to allow women in Ukraine to feel free and brave, noting that Ukrainian women start from a “minus 5” position compared to “minus 10” abroad. However, from the perspective of our ongoing advocacy, it often feels as though we are currently fighting just to protect point zero.
The dialogue reinforced a vital truth: sustaining influence and navigating the traps of power requires unyielding solidarity.