Gender Equality: Has Anything Changed During the Years of War?
The war has reshaped the Ukrainian labor market, affecting both overall trends and the gender balance across different sectors. Issues such as migration, workforce mobilization, veteran reintegration, and the mastering of new professions have become more prominent.
Against this backdrop, the topic of gender equality becomes even more relevant. It is not only a matter of fairness but also a key factor in economic resilience. However, women still face challenges such as unequal pay, professional limitations, and career advancement barriers.
Svitlana Haidar, a recruitment specialist at Smart Solutions, shares insights on how the war has affected gender balance.
Labor Market Trends
In recent years, the employment structure in Ukraine has shifted due to war, mobilization, and economic challenges. According to the State Statistics Service, in 2021, 15.6 million people were employed in Ukraine: 7.4 million women and 8.2 million men. Traditionally, employment rates among men were higher than women across all age groups.
However, recent trends show a gradual equalization in gender representation, partly due to the mobilization of men, with women increasingly taking on roles previously held mainly by men.
Despite more women entering various fields, only 15% of companies in Ukraine are owned by women, and just 17.7% of top management positions are held by women. The labor market, while progressing, still requires structural changes to ensure truly equal opportunities.
Shifts in Gender Demand for Specialists
Since the full-scale invasion, the gender ratio of job candidates has notably changed: formerly 58% men and 42% women, it has now shifted to 48% men and 52% women. The trend of women entering traditionally male-dominated professions continues to grow.
“It’s encouraging that more companies are now willing to hire women in roles traditionally held by men. For instance, the OnTrack program helps women become truck and bus drivers, and Kyiv Metro has launched a training program for future female train operators,” notes Svitlana Haidar.
According to the State Employment Service, 240,000 Ukrainians secured new jobs in 2023, and 66% of them were women. More women are now working in technical professions such as pump operators, drivers, miners, loaders, and repair mechanics.
With many men mobilized for defense, a clear labor shortage emerged. Businesses had to adapt by hiring women in positions previously occupied by men. This necessary shift not only addresses staffing issues but also helps break down gender stereotypes.
How Women Can Succeed in Today’s World
According to Svitlana, regardless of gender, professional success requires constant self-development, staying up to date with industry trends, and learning new technologies to stay effective.
“For women, this journey is often more challenging due to the so-called ‘second shift’—household responsibilities that drain their resources. In families where one partner serves in the military, the other assumes full responsibility for the household, increasing psychological pressure,” Svitlana explains.
She believes career development should not be seen solely as vertical growth, but as a holistic process that balances work, personal life, and mental health. To remain competitive, women should nurture:
-
A learning mindset – openness to new knowledge and regular skill upgrades
-
Adaptability – quick response to change and effectiveness in uncertain conditions
-
Flexibility – ability to work in different formats (online, offline, hybrid)
-
Openness to change – willingness to embrace new ideas, innovate, and experiment
Conclusion
The gender balance in Ukraine’s labor market has shifted significantly due to the war. Mass male mobilization has caused labor shortages, prompting businesses to actively recruit women into sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technical industries, and retail.
Companies are rethinking recruitment strategies, expanding training and reskilling programs, and breaking down gender barriers. While progress is evident, unequal pay and limited access to leadership positions remain challenges. At the same time, the number of women entrepreneurs is growing, and large companies are implementing systemic gender equality practices.
All of this points to the emergence of a new labor market reality, where the role of women is becoming increasingly important.
You can learn more about companies’ experiences on the pages of Womo.
