Authors

Anastasiia Chupis¹;  ¹ Södertörn University, Sweden

Discussion

This chapter is a part of the collective monograph “Introduction: The Production of Gendered Knowledge of War”, Feminist Peace Research Series, Routledge Taylor & Francis Publisher.
The monograph editors are Annika Björkdahl and Johanna Mannergren

The chapter delves into the dynamic role and activist position of women in both military and humanitarian capacities within the armed forces amid Russia's prolonged aggression against Ukraine (2014–2024). From the onset of the war in 2014, women have stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts, overcoming initial challenges posed by gender restrictions in Ukrainian legislation that limited their official roles on the front lines. 
This chapter not only chronicles the heroic struggles unfolding on the front lines but also explores the internal transformation within the armed forces of Ukraine as they undergo reformative endeavors. The research critically examines the present status of Ukrainian women's involvement in the army in the face of Russia's aggression, shedding light on their rights, responsibilities, and the contemporary challenges they confront.
By scrutinizing the experiences of women combatants, the paper unveils the transformative impact of their involvement in public activism and the broader equal rights movements in Ukraine. Emphasizing the gender perspective as a crucial aspect of women's agency in this war, the chapter investigates how these women have reshaped societal perceptions and advocacy for equal rights. The study extends its analysis to encompass the influence of women on public diplomacy processes, challenges related to humanitarian issues during wartime, and the potential for their active participation in peace-building initiatives. 
Drawing on an autoethnographic methodology, interviews with women operating at various levels within the war, complemented by a meticulous analysis of state and international legislation, as well as reports from non-governmental organizations and international entities. Through this multifaceted approach, the chapter seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of the evolving role of women in the service of the Ukrainian army during the ongoing war. 
This chapter additionally examines the challenges and roles of women in the Red Army, providing an analysis of the cultural and historical legacy that continues to influence the issue of women's service in contemporary Armed Forces. Utilizing narrative techniques, the author elucidates the political and social context surrounding Russian aggression in Ukraine. 

Keywords: Ukraine, women, servicewomen, armed forces, civic activism