ABSTRACT
Since 1991, Ukraine has achieved considerable progress in establishing gender equality in different spheres of Ukrainian society, including the military. Data from three large sociological studies, called “Invisible Battalion,” demonstrate the successes and challenges of gender equality implementation in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the status of female veterans, and the problem of sexual harassment in the military. The Ukrainian security and defense sectors have undergone several significant systemic changes since the adoption of the first National Action Plan. It grants women access to military occupations, including combat; recognizes female veterans and gender equality in military legislation; improves protection for women from gender-based violence; opens access to military education at all levels; provides gender training and education for staff; and allows for outside research on different aspects of gender equality implementation. Despite lingering problems—lack of resources and time, gender stereotypes, and the challenges of the ongoing war—as the militarization of Ukrainian society mounts, women are actively involved in this process as well as in building peace and security.
