Gender aspects of women’s service in the armed forces of Ukraine: traditions and modernity

Abstract

The author of the article deals with some gender aspects of women’s military service in Ukraine. Military activity has traditionally been considered a purely male activity in many cultures. And these stereotypes changed very slowly. But today Ukrainians facing a dangerous situation must act and introduce innovations in many spheres including the Armed Forces. Russian full-scale invasion launched specific processes in Ukrainian society and women play a vital role in them. The popularity of military service among women in the last two years increased more than two times. They take an active part in the defense of their country even on the battlefield. The author analyzes those traditional archetypes that could encourage female activity in the critical situation caused by war. It is underlined that there are some characteristic traits in the behavior of Ukrainian women that can be used not only in wartime but also after the victory for recovery and transformation of the whole society