The Zminotvortsi [Changemakers] educational program promotes the implementation of gender equality in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the exchange of knowledge with NATO partners. The Ministry of Defence was represented at an international event in Brussels to deliberate on integrating women into the military.

Zminotvortsi brought together Ukrainian and foreign experts, gender advisors, politicians, and professionals in human security. Their efforts focused on enhancing their expertise and skills in gender integration to align the policies and procedures of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with NATO standards and the UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

“The Zminotvortsi program provided a unique opportunity to share experiences with NATO partners. Amidst the war, we not only adopted successful strategies but also exchanged our own advancements. This will help us to implement NATO standards more effectively, optimally harnessing the potential of both women and men in various defense areas,” said Major Diana Kopanytsia, Head of the Humanitarian Support Department of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

Upon their return to Kyiv, the participants deliver a presentation to their superiors on the knowledge they have gained. The intention is to examine gender issues and pinpoint institutional obstacles to the implementation of equality programs.

The participants included representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Nordic Center for Gender in Military Operations (Sweden), European Union defense agencies, and leading international organizations in equal rights and opportunities for men and women.

Zminotvortsi is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the PROTECT2 project, funded by the Department of National Defense of Canada and implemented by Alinea International. Its goal is to assist the Ukrainian Government in enhancing the capabilities of defense sector institutions and agencies.