Episode 5: Ukraine and the Revolution Within for Gender Equality
Ukraine has undergone incredible transformations stemming from the Revolution for Dignity. Progress towards women’s empowerment and gender equality is one of the most exciting changes taking place since the country broke free of authoritarian rule in 2014. In this episode of Fatima’s Hand, we talk with Olena Yena, one of the architects of the strategy guiding these transformations by creating the conditions for equal partnerships in governmental and societal reform.
In a country where women are referred to as “the neck” and the man as “the head”, hidden discrimination, patriarchal norms as well as an extremely sexualized culture have contributed to diminishing the full and equal participation of women. Despite this, public demand for equality has increased dramatically in recent years. Ukrainian women are pushing back against sexism and holding the government and society accountable for ensuring their inclusion – even on the frontlines, in the midst of war.
In the first episode of Season 2 featuring stories from Ukraine, Olena gives an insider’s perspective on the reasons behind the positive changes taking place, including the shifts she has witnessed among women. Feminism used to be a dirty word in Ukraine. Now women are speaking out about sexism, teaching others that equality is about partnership among men and women, and working to ensure a larger share of decision making roles.
Olena brings a unique vantage point on these subject as Director of the Women Lead Program with the National Democratic Institute’s office in Ukraine where she works everyday to enhance women’s political opportunities, strengthen political parties and institutions to address gender, and combat deeply entrenched stereotypes.
Olena talks openly about her own awakening watching her daughters fight for equality, what her hopes are for their future, and her commitment to bringing women together. While being honest about the significant hurdles to achieving gender equality in Ukraine, Olena makes a conscious choice to focus on the points of light rather than getting overwhelmed with all the remaining challenges for women. Episode 5 of Fatima’s Hand holds many lessons for other countries where women are waking up to the reality that they don’t have as much power as they thought, but are willing to fight to change things – in themselves, their culture and their country.
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