Written by Andrea York TUER - MA Intelligence and International Security
Edited by Isabelle GUERRERO - BA International Relations
Within the domain of War Studies, the intricate and often overlooked experiences of women during conflicts command heightened attention, given their substantial implications for both societal structures and individual well-being. In pursuit of a deeper understanding of this vital topic, the Women in War and International Politics (WIWIP) and Women in International Security (WIIS) councils convened their inaugural symposium for the academic year 2023/24 at King's College London. This symposium served as a platform for esteemed scholars to explore the nuanced realities surrounding the role of women in the War in Ukraine.
Dr. Andrea Ellner, a Lecturer in Defense Studies at KCL, Oskana Potapova, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Gender Studies at LSE, and Tetyana Nikita, Senior Research Manager at BBC Media Action, actively participated in a thought-provoking discussion about the multifaceted role of women in Ukraine. This engaging dialogue was skillfully moderated by Daryana Dvornichenko, a research fellow at the University of Oxford.
The panel delved into a spectrum of issues, ranging from the everyday challenges faced by women in the conflict to the influence of media on shaping gender constructs. It scrutinized the varied arenas where women actively engage and bear the impact within the context of the war in Ukraine. Amidst the prevalent narratives dominated by terms such as counteroffensive, execution, Zelensky, Putin, frontlines, attack, strike, drone, exclusive footage, escalation, and tanks, the panel underscored the often-overlooked narrative of women in Ukraine. In a media landscape saturated with sensationalism, the discussion shed light on the vital role of women in both academic discourse and media narratives. The panel served as a reminder that while geopolitical terms and military actions dominate headlines, the experiences and contributions of women are equally indispensable components of the multifaceted reality of war.
Tetyana Nikita's perspective on women in Ukraine was particularly noteworthy, highlighting three essential groups. Firstly, women who have not changed their place of living: this is the largest group and revolves around employment, mental health, safety, and security. The second group is composed of internally displaced women: this group faces challenges related to employment, health, and the impact of war. Reintegration into communities and finding employment are crucial factors for their self-resilience and mental health. Thirdly, women living in non-government-controlled areas: this group faces limited access to communication, the internet, and security, switching on survival mode with no energy to volunteer like the first cluster of women. Central to the discussions across these three distinct groups was the pervasive issue of gender roles. The examination of stereotypical masculinity, the endeavor to forge a feminist future, and the analysis of power dynamics became prominent themes. A notable shift in traditional roles emerged during the war in Ukraine, with women not only seeking weapons, materials for survival, and medical care but also challenging the assumption that they are inherently inclined toward peace-making, as emphasized by Dr. Ellner.
These separate life experiences embody the complexity of life in wartime Ukraine. The challenges of double displacement further worsen the situation, with solutions highlighting the impact of conflict and economic factors. The political context adds varying narratives to understanding the conflict's nature, making it challenging to grasp the notion of security within communities. Issues such as negotiating relationships, finding employment, addressing transferable skills, shifting gender roles within families, and addressing pre-existing problems (e.g. insufficient spaces in kindergartens) are all part of the multi-faced picture.
Finally, the panel discussed the role of media and communications in the perpetuation of gender roles and inequalities. All speakers agreed there was a need for greater feminist perspectives in media, as we see narratives sexualizing female fighters and demonizing women who decide to put their parental duties on hold to fight for their country are pushed daily. A second issue concerning communication was mentioned by Oskana Potapova, who drew attention to the instrumentalization of Ukrainian migrant women, in European right-wing groups. Delving into issues of migration and media representation finally allowed the panel to remind us of the power of gender analysis in the comprehension of contemporary issues of international relations, politics, and security.
In summary, the Women in the Ukrainian War symposium has been a crucial illumination of the universal experiences of women in conflict. From the stark realities faced by women in the military to the redefinition of gender roles within the private sphere, a notable shift in traditional gender norms is evident within the backdrop of war-torn societies. The call to extend our discussions and research into the nuanced gender realities and amplify the voices of the "invisible women" navigating conflict is a resonant message from the scholars.
By broadening our understanding and knowledge base on the diverse experiences within conflict, we are prompted to contribute to a more comprehensive approach. This approach, in turn, is poised to inform policies that not only empower Ukrainian women amidst the conflict but also catalyze the broader reconstruction of their country and culture. The symposium, therefore, served as a catalyst for forging a path towards inclusive and impactful initiatives that extend far beyond the academic realm.