The online event brought together about 30 activists and opinion leaders from across Europe to discuss, among other topics, how Ukrainian women managed to hold the first women’s rights march since the start of the full-scale invasion on March 8.
Members of the Ukrainian Feminist Network participated in the event. The Network’s presentation focused on the context of feminist movements during the war in Ukraine, as well as their humanitarian and volunteer work, and the demands brought forward by the approximately 3,000 people who participated in the Women’s March on March 8 in Kyiv.
The success of the first march in Kyiv during the years of full-scale war was made possible by a strong brand that gained momentum every year until mass events were suspended in 2022. Currently, the security situation in Kyiv has improved thanks to the efforts of Ukraine’s Air Defense Forces and equipment provided by allies, which made it possible to hold the event with relative safety. The route included announcements about the nearest accessible shelters. People with disabilities, internally displaced persons, representatives of networks of survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), HIV-positive people, and many other communities were able to join the march, making it an inclusive and mass event.
The European Network organized the online discussion for Solidarity with Ukraine (ENSU). ENSU is an international network of activists, trade unions, and civil society organizations that emerged in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. It is not a government body, but rather a grassroots coalition that brings together people from across Europe (and the world) who support Ukraine from social democratic and human rights perspectives.
In addition to discussing the march itself, activists addressed current issues related to women’s rights in Ukraine and explored ways to address them.