Ministry of Social Policy and World Bank Discuss Creating Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Ukraine

A team from the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine held a meeting with representatives of the World Bank on issues of social protection and labor. The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Social Policy for European Integration Iryna Postolovska, Head of the Expert Group on Combating Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Gender Equality of the Directorate for Social Services Development Nataliia Bohdanova, as well as Lead Economist and Human Capital Development Program Manager of the World Bank team Niihin Umapathi and World Bank economist Britta Lorin.

The main topic of the meeting was ensuring gender equality and expanding employment opportunities for women amid russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Emphasis was placed on the importance of implementing programs to overcome gender barriers in the professional sphere and ensuring an equal distribution of responsibilities between partners within families.

"We are working to ensure that every woman and man in Ukraine has equal opportunities to realize themselves in various spheres of life. Our goal is also to help people overcome the hardships caused by war. Today, women in Ukraine are forced to take on multiple roles, juggling professional challenges with household responsibilities and caring for their families. This is a significant challenge, especially when it comes to caring for loved ones – children, elderly relatives, or people with disabilities. That is why we are actively developing services such as home care, daycare, palliative care, and supported living. Expanding these and other services will help support families and contribute to building a resilient and fair society," said Iryna Postolovska.

During the meeting, key areas of cooperation were identified, including the development of joint initiatives aimed at reducing gender inequality in Ukraine. The discussion also highlighted the need to improve monitoring systems and introduce digital technologies for data collection on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men, preventing and combating domestic and gender-based violence, and delivering social services. This will not only facilitate access to services but also ensure effective oversight of their implementation, particularly in wartime conditions.

Additionally, the development of initiatives under the SPIRIT program was discussed. This program aims to create more inclusive and effective social protection systems while revitalizing the social services market in Ukraine.

The joint efforts of the Ministry of Social Policy and the World Bank lay a strong foundation for ensuring equal opportunities for all Ukrainian citizens, especially in the post-war period. Implementing these initiatives, focused on supporting women, children, and vulnerable groups, will not only accelerate the country’s recovery but also promote long-term stability and social development. This collaboration marks an important step toward building a more inclusive and equitable society in Ukraine.

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