72% of Ukrainian women do not plan to go abroad for a long time, mainly because of family and a sense of belonging to the country. 15% are thinking about leaving, while the rest are undecided. This is the picture revealed by a study conducted by the Centre for Economic Strategy (CES) in cooperation with the American University of Kyiv.
The material factors that keep women in Ukraine include:
- high income;
- availability of housing
- access to medical services;
- good jobs.
Among the main reasons why Ukrainians consider migration is the desire for a better standard of living and security. In addition, the desire to leave Ukraine is also influenced by a possible loss of income or housing.
Most often, migration is considered by unmarried women aged 18-29.
‘For many Ukrainian women, the housing situation plays an important role in the decision to stay or leave, outstripping even income. Rental assistance programmes for IDPs, subsidies for the repair of damaged property or support for local reconstruction should be continued,’ said Volodymyr Vakhitov, Director of the Institute for Behavioural Studies at American University of Kyiv.
Since the outbreak of full-scale war, 39% of Ukrainian women aged 18-60 have been forced to flee their homes, of whom more than half have already returned. 90% of women have experienced traumatic events, including rocket attacks and bombings, loss of a loved one, and destruction or damage to their homes. 10% have experience of living in the occupied territory, and one in three has a loved one who serves or has served in the Defence Forces.
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