Today, June 8, is Ukrainian Feminism Day.
Yesterday, our team had a long discussion about feminism and how this movement resonates in our organization’s work, and here are the conclusions we reached:
Feminism is not so much about slogans or political debates as it is about recognizing the path Ukrainian women have traveled to get where we are today. It’s about those who had the courage to speak out for girls’ education, the right to work, the right to their own voice, and the right to make their own choices at a time when none of this was at all obvious to society.
It once seemed that feminism was about women fighting against men. But the more we learned about the history of the Ukrainian women’s movement, the more we understood: in reality, it is about dignity. About the human right to be oneself, to realize one’s abilities, to participate in decision-making, and to live free from violence and discrimination. It is this idea that has gradually changed our view of the world and our own place in it.
The significance of these values is felt particularly keenly today. Ukrainian women are defending the country, working in communities, healing, teaching, supporting others, and leading volunteer and humanitarian initiatives. They don’t wait for permission to be strong or influential — they simply do what needs to be done. And this, too, is part of Ukrainian feminism: not about privileges, but about the opportunity to act as equals.
It is also a reminder of our responsibility. A reminder that the rights and opportunities we take for granted today were once the result of someone’s hard work, courage, and belief in change. And if we want a better future for our children and communities, it is important for us not only to take advantage of these opportunities but also to support other women on their journey.
That is why today we are thinking about gratitude. Gratitude to the women who came before us and to those who are with us now. To those who are changing the country through their daily work, often without fanfare or recognition.
And about the fact that, for us, Ukrainian feminism is first and foremost about the freedom to be ourselves, about mutual support, about dignity, and about the belief that every person deserves equal opportunities for life, development, and happiness.