Strengthening the Role of Women in Ukraine’s Security Sector
On 6 March, the forum “Women of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: Defence, Security, Recovery” took place in Kyiv, bringing together female representatives from across the system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
Women serving within the MIA system contribute daily to Ukraine’s defence, security, and recovery. Their work spans a wide range of roles – from emergency response and law enforcement to medical services, community protection, and rehabilitation.
The GS-Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen inclusive and resilient security institutions in Ukraine, including efforts to promote the role of women in the security sector.
The event provided a platform to discuss the evolving role of women in the security sector, share experiences from service during the full-scale war, and strengthen cooperation across institutions.
International Support for Ukraine’s Security Institutions
The event was supported under the project “EqualForce II”, GS-Foundation and financed by the German Federal Foreign Office.
The forum was opened by Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko, who expressed his gratitude to the women serving within the MIA system for their professionalism, dedication, and resilience during wartime.
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ukraine, Heiko Thoms, also addressed the participants. In his remarks, he highlighted the crucial role Ukrainian women play in defending the country and contributing to its recovery while reaffirming Germany’s continued support for Ukraine.
Handover of Protective Equipment
A central moment of the forum was the ceremonial handover of material and technical assistance supporting women working in Ukraine’s security sector. The equipment included body armour specifically adapted to the needs of women, designed to improve protection and operational comfort.
The certificate for the protective equipment was presented by Dr. Susanne Greiter, Head of the Equalforce II Project at GS-Foundation, together with Sebastian Kwika, Project Lead of the CivSec initiatives in Ukraine.
Dr. Susanne Greiter emphasised the importance of protecting those who safeguard others every day:
“Protecting the state is not only about the front line. It is also about evacuating civilians, responding to the consequences of enemy shelling, the work of law enforcement in rear cities, and the daily safety of citizens. Therefore, it is equally important to protect those who stand guard over the safety of others every day.”
Supporting Inclusive Security Sector Reform
By supporting initiatives such as this forum and providing targeted assistance, the GS Foundation contributes to strengthening inclusive, resilient and effective security institutions in Ukraine, while promoting gender-responsive security sector reform and international cooperation.
