According to data from the State Statistics Service, before the full-scale Russian invasion in 2021, the gender pay gap in Ukraine was 18.6%. This means that women have to work longer to earn the same as men—on average, an additional 6.5 years over their lifetime, reports UN Women Ukraine.
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In 2015, this gap was 26%, but it has significantly decreased in subsequent years. Today, Ukraine is a leader in engaging women in professional and technical fields. However, only 15% of companies are owned by women, and women hold leadership positions in 17.7% of businesses.
Impact of the War on Women
The full-scale Russian invasion on February 24, 2022, has worsened the economic situation for women. Many have become heads of households, taken on childcare responsibilities, and engaged in volunteering. This necessity to balance different roles often leads to job loss and reduced income.
Government Initiatives to Reduce the Gender Gap
Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, emphasized that inequality cannot be justified, even in wartime. “Our women have the right to decent pay at all times,” she stated.
On September 15, 2023, the government adopted a National Strategy to Overcome the Gender Pay Gap by 2030. The goal is to reduce the gap from 18.6% to 13.6% during this period. The strategy includes a set of tools to enhance women’s roles in the labor market, including the legalization of remote work and support for women’s businesses through grants.
New Initiative: “Of Course, You Can!”
Campaign Starting September 18, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, in collaboration with UN Women, will launch a national information campaign titled “Of Course, You Can!” aimed at overcoming gender stereotypes in women’s professional development and raising awareness of the gender pay gap issue.
Sabine Fräzer Günes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine, noted that promoting gender equality remains a priority. She stressed the need for joint efforts from the government, business, and civil society to address this issue.
Reducing the gender pay gap is a key element in ensuring equality in Ukraine. Only when women receive the same pay for work of equal value as men can true equality be achieved and women empowered to fully contribute to the country’s recovery.
