This document summarizes the role of women in the 2014 Ukraine crisis. It discusses how women lived under a patriarchal society prior to the crisis but played an instrumental role in the Maidan protests. Though the crisis negatively impacted women through increased militarization, violence, and economic hardship, it also raised awareness of political issues and women's participation in creating change. The document concludes that women playing a pivotal role alongside men in the Maidan protests is promising for increased gender equality in Ukraine, though economic and political reforms will take time.

1. Women & The 2014 Ukraine
Crisis
Caitlin Fulbright

2. Critical Issues Set the Stage
-President Viktor Yanukovich and other politicians
within the Ukrainian legislature are financially corrupt.
-Economic depression leaves the government two
options: Begin negotiations with the EU to open trade
or take a large loan and incur debt from Russia.
-The EU agreement risks alienating Russia and
staunching the supply of cheap gasoline.
-The dilemma teeters upon East vs West tensions
remaining from WWII/Cold War. Economic models
and ideological differences create foreign policy.

3. Mayhem at Maidan
-President Yanukovich suddenly reversed his decision to enter EU negotiations
and vetoed the proposal.
-Thousands of Ukrainians who identify as Europeans felt their hopes for better
living standards were extinguished.
-Patriotic protests demanded that the President resign and Parliament to be
purged.
-Dissolved into deadly armed conflict with militarized police. Over 120 protesters
killed by snipers and other means with 18 police deaths.

4. Deposition and Division
-President Yanukovich resigned from power and an
interim government was installed to maintain a
democratic constitution and hold elections.
-Far-right nationalist splinter groups with ties to Nazism
challenge for control of power vacuum.
-Russian Ukrainians denounce regime change and
militia groups counter attack. The locus of violence
shifts to the eastern Donbas region where there is
organized warfare. Separatists and undercover
Russian troops gain control of Crimea and it is
annexed to Russia through referendum. Russia is
accused to violating international law protecting
Ukraine’s national sovereignty.

5. Where are the Women?
-Ukrainian women live under a rigidly patriarchal society-men are wage-earners and women are
homemakers.
-Limitations on women are not explicitly enforced by a secular pre-revolution government, they are
experienced as de facto cultural realities that impede activities such as job-seeking.
-Women are poorly represented in government due to lack of the necessary social networks and
education discrepancies.
-Poor economic prospects leave women no other choice than prostitution. Ukraine is a prime destination
and origin nation for trafficked women.

6. Wonder Women?
-Women were affected both positively and negatively by the revolution. It is uncertain whether the future
holds progress or stagnation of equality. Negative
--Militarization and nationalist sentiments
consolidate traditionalist gender roles.
Nationalist political parties will inscribe them
into law.
-State social safety nets exhausted of
resources leaving many household to struggle
to meet basic needs.
-Soldiers returning home receive little
assistance with reintegration. Violent
masculinity from military service infiltrates
civilian male identities. Domestic violence
increases.
-Women are still poorly represented in politics
Positive
-instrumental role at Maidan throwing Molotov
cocktails, defending barricades, and tending
the sick alongside men increases equality in
social consciousness.
-Raised awareness of political issues among
women. Demonstration that their participation
can create change may improve
enfranchisement.
-The women as figureheads of the nation are
imagined with “strong woman” characteristics.
-Informal exchange economy set up at Maidan
help women with economic hardship.
-Warfare deflated the sextourism industry

7. The Dakh Daughters are an all-female cabaret group that performed at the Maidan protests. Their
interpretations of women’s folk songs and their iconic significance to the revolution provide a visual
example of the role women are playing in constructing national identities in transition. I’ve attached a few
links to their work and article with a general overview of the meaning behind their lyrics for those whose
curiosities beckon.
Cabaret
Curiosities

8. Conclusions
That women played a pivotal role beyond those traditionally designated to them
alongside men in the symbolic rebirth of the new Ukraine at Maidan is a promising
sign for increased equality.
“Hard Issues” such as economic limitations and low-representation in government
impede immediate reforms for the time being.
Change is achieved through soft politics and evolution of cultural characterizations
of men and women.