The role of women’s activism in the fight for Ukraine’s freedom – RTE.ie

Opinion: culture, politics and survival motivate Ukrainian women to take action, reminiscent of those who took part in Euromaidan protests a decade ago

By Olesia Zhytkova and Robert Gillanders, DCU

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine regained its independence. The process of reviving Ukrainian socio-political thought, economic activity and culture had begun. As a result of the ineffective leadership of the Soviet Union, independent Ukraine inherited a number of socio-economic and political problems. The Russian leaderships desire to keep Ukraine in its sphere of influence also played a role, leading to constant interference and destabilisation of Ukraines internal politics.

The last decade of Ukrainian history has been defined by a major social movement Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity that loudly proclaimed the unwillingness of Ukrainian society to be in Russias sphere of influence.

Although the Russian Federation formally recognised the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine, Russias policy remained colonial in its content and intention. The Russian state leadership, with all social and economic structures under their control, and the support of the majority of the population, aimed to retain political, cultural and economic influence in Ukraine. Ultimately, the pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovych became the President of Ukraine in 2010.

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From BBC News, what happened in Kyiv's Maidan square?

The policies of Yanukovych led to tension within Ukraine. For many, the last straw was the refusal to sign the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2013. This led to an uprising of people against the ruling regime Euromaidan and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013-2014. The protesters focus was the Maidan, the main square in Kyiv city. Citizens grievances arose from the governments disrespect for human rights, disproportionate police violence against protesters, rampant corruption, and scarce job opportunities.

At first, the protests were peaceful, but later the authorities began to use force against the participants, and protesters started to fight back. During the culminating phase, the authorities began to shoot protesters. As a result, more than a hundred people died, including several women. Researchers claim that women played a pivotal role in the anti-government protests held in Ukraine from November 2013 to February 2014. According to some estimates, women constituted nearly half of the participants in these protests. At the same time, as the protests escalated, the number of women in the permanent camp on Maidan decreased.

Women coordinated the provision of medical supplies, compiled lists of missing persons, offered legal assistance for detained protesters, provided psychological assistance, safe transportation, and media relations, organised public lectures and documentary screenings inside the encampment, artistic and educational events, patrolled the barricades, distributed food, and provided first aid as bullets whistled past.

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For women, there were a host of reasons for protesting, including civic duty, solidarity with protesters, motherhood, and professional service. However, the most frequently cited motivation for womens activism was profound dissatisfaction with the incumbent government. Thanks to the efforts and bravery of its men and women, Ukrainian society managed to defeat the pro-Russian regime in 2014. However, as we all know, Ukraines fight for freedom continues.

A new wave of Ukrainian activism is evident across Europe today. While a significant number of men are on the battlefield or helping the army in other ways inside the country, women who are outside Ukraine for security reasons are active partners in the protection of the country and its culture. Across Europe, Ukrainian women organise solidarity and protest actions to highlight consequences of Russias military aggression against Ukraine and advocate for greater support for the cause of Ukraine, and of freedom.As part of our Irish Research Council funded project, Corruption, Gender, and Sustainable Development, we have surveyed Ukrainians across Europe to understand what form their activism takes and the motivations for their efforts.

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Over 50% of our respondents report that they have been involved in social or political activism and 19% have experience with cultural activism. Our survey shows that there are wide variety of motivating factors for women, many of which are reminiscent of those who took part in Euromaidan. For example, one woman expressed a fear "that hucksters and corrupt officials will take my country away from me if I do nothing." However, there was also the woman who was motivated by "the desire to help the general public learn more about the history and culture of Ukraine."

For some women, helping to fight the aggressor became a fight for the fate of their families: "My husband serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, I want to be useful to his unit." Culture, politics, and survival motivate the women of Ukraine to take action. Ukraines fight for freedom has been a long one and the fight will not end when the Russia has been defeated. The legacy of Russias long interference and aggression runs deep. The men and women of Ukraine desire and deserve a better future for themselves and their children and history shows that they are willing to fight for it and win.

Dr Olesia Zhytkova is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Dublin City University's Business School. She is a member of the "Corruption, Gender, and Sustainable development" project, funded by the Irish Research Council. Dr Rob Gillanders is a Lecturer in Economics at Dublin City University's Business School. He is a former Irish Research Council awardee.

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RT

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The role of women's activism in the fight for Ukraine's freedom - RTE.ie