Ukraine Solidarity Day: Applying a gender lens to Ukraine’s reconstruction

24 February 2025
14:00 - 15:30 CET
Online | Registration link

The third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine comes at a moment of profound uncertainty. While discussions of a potential ceasefire—pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump—have emerged, the war and its devastating consequences persist. Beyond the immediate military and geopolitical dimensions, the social impacts of the war must remain a central focus. Millions of Ukrainians—both those who remain in the country and those who have sought refuge abroad—have endured immense hardship. Their voices must shape the reconstruction process to ensure it is inclusive and representative of their diverse experiences.

A key priority is guaranteeing that Ukrainian women play a central role in rebuilding their country. Women have been at the forefront of humanitarian response, community resilience, and economic driver, yet their perspectives and leadership remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces. Their vision, challenges, and priorities must be actively heard and integrated across all spheres of the reconstruction process and future political events. A gender-responsive approach to reconstruction is a matter of justice as much as a prerequisite for a sustainable and equitable future for Ukraine.

Through the Progressive Ukraine series, FEPS and its partners have worked directly with a network of Ukrainian women academics and policy experts, both in Ukraine and exile. A set of six policy briefs where they have laid out the main policy challenges in the current context in Ukraine, including labour rights, housing, education, gender equality, and social protection.

This discussion will serve as a crucial step in shaping a comprehensive and forward-looking reconstruction strategy—one that prioritizes social justice and gender equality.

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) and its partners, FES (Ukraine), Amicus Europae (Poland), Karl Renner Institut (Austria), Kelevi Sorsa Foundation (Finland), Foundation Max van der Stoel (the Netherlands) and Fondation Jean Jaurès (France) contribute to this discussion, fostering informed dialogue on Ukraine's future in Europe.

Draft Agenda

14:00 - 14:15
Opening and welcome remarks
László Andor, Secretary-General, FEPS

14:15 – 14:25
Reflections about the end of the war in Ukraine
Christos Katsioulis, Director of FES Regional Office for International Cooperation and Peace

14:25 – 15:20
Panel: Applying a gender lens to Ukraine’s reconstruction

This panel will amplify the voices of Ukrainian women—both within the country and in exile—who are shaping the narrative of war, displacement, and resilience. Grounded in feminist reconstruction approaches, the discussion will examine their lived experiences, aspirations, and contributions to Ukraine’s reconstruction. It will address structural barriers to gender-equal participation in decision-making and explore how international and domestic efforts can support inclusive and gender-transformative reconstruction efforts.
Guiding Questions:

• How have Ukrainian women articulated their experiences of war and displacement? How does storytelling shape memory, policy, and reconstruction efforts?
• What are the most pressing challenges for Ukrainian women and LGBTQ+ individuals, including those from marginalized communities, in shaping the future of Ukraine and its reconstruction?
• What psychosocial support structures are needed to address war-related trauma among women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals? How can future transitional justice mechanisms ensure justice for survivors of wartime gender-based violence and contribute to long-term societal healing?
• How can Ukraine’s EU accession process advance women’s political and economic participation? What mechanisms within EU policies, funding, and legal frameworks can support gender-sensitive reforms and women’s leadership in post-war governance?

Inputs by:

• Lina Galvéz, MEP, S&D Group & Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality
• Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine
• Darina Marchak, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy of Ukraine
• Agnes Jongerius, Former MEP

Moderated by: Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training, FEPS

15:20 - 15:30
Closing remarks
Ann Linde, FEPS Special Adviser & Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden

In collaboration with:

FEPS, Renner Institut, Foundation Max van der Stoel, Foundation Jean Jaurès, Kalevi Sorsa Foundation, Amicus Europae

This event is organized with the financial support of the European Parliament. It does not represent the view of the European Parliament.