In the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine, 19-year-old agronomy student Kateryna Koliadiuk's curiosity led her to enroll in a tractor driving course. Initially apprehensive about operating such a large and complex vehicle, Koliadiuk has since gained confidence and now drives with assurance. Her family, traditionally holding views that women should remain at home, was surprised by her decision to pursue such a role, reflecting a broader societal shift as Ukrainian women fill jobs vacated by men who have been drafted into military service amid the ongoing war with Russia.
As the war continues, there is a concerted effort by the Ukrainian government to rebuild an economy that has suffered greatly over the past three years and to combat labor shortages caused by the mobilization of men. This effort includes various training programs aimed at women, particularly in construction, agriculture, and transportation sectors. Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized that the mobilization of men has forced women to take on additional responsibilities, highlighting the changing dynamics in the workforce.
With approximately 5 million Ukrainians having fled the country and another million in the armed forces, the labor force has contracted significantly, especially considering that around 9 million Ukrainians are currently employed. Svyrydenko, who notably serves as Ukraine's first female economy minister, represents a significant transformation in the roles women are taking on within the workforce. Traditionally, women have been employed primarily in education, healthcare, and government service; however, the demand is now expanding into industrial and military sectors.
The shift in gender roles is evident in various sectors, such as coal mining, where women are now operating machinery to sustain production. Iryna Ostanko, a former accountant, recently transitioned to become an elevator operator in a coal mine. Inspired by her husband's long-standing job at the mine, she embraced the challenge, despite a lack of female presence in such positions prior to the war. Her training comprised one month of theoretical instruction followed by hands-on experience, showcasing how women are stepping into roles once dominated by men.
Viktor Kuznetsov, the head engineer of the mine, stated that the primary challenge facing operations is the shortage of qualified personnel since many men have left for military service. He has hired over 100 women since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, which has drastically altered the workforce dynamics in the mining industry. Kuznetsov affirmed that without these women, the mine would struggle to function effectively.
In the Kyiv region, Yulia Skitchko, head of a construction machinery rental service called Alef Stroy, has seen an opportunity to hire female operators for excavators. With support from U.S. funding, Skitchko has been able to train female employees and has successfully instructed 45 women so far. Initially faced with skepticism about women's ability to operate heavy machinery, Skitchko and her team are now witnessing the successful integration of women into construction roles, challenging traditional gender stereotypes.
Overall, the ongoing war has catalyzed a significant mental shift among Ukrainian women, pushing them to contribute actively to the country's rebuilding efforts. The demand for training and employment opportunities in diverse fields presents a transformative landscape for women in Ukraine. As they learn new skills and take on non-traditional roles, these women are not only reshaping their own lives but also redefining societal norms about gender and work amidst a backdrop of conflict.
