Kateryna Zarembo transitioned from an academic path in political science to volunteering as a paramedic on Ukraine’s front lines last summer. Taking breaks to care for her children aged three to twelve, she enrolled weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, motivated by her belief that his policies could harm Ukraine and foster authoritarianism.

Zarembo’s service in the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, predominantly composed of women, underscored the critical and growing role women are playing in Ukraine’s defense. These women have increased from 52,000 at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion to over 70,000, with more than 20,000 in combat roles and 5,500 in the trenches.

Zarembo’s involvement reflects broader societal changes, with her husband now working as a military technology contractor to the government. Her children, aware of the constant threat from Russian drones, have mixed reactions to her deployments, clinging to her or expressing their own forms of protest.

The Orobets family’s perspective mirrors the societal shift, with Lesya Orobets managing their engineering business while her husband fights on the front lines. They are preparing their daughters for a future where military skills, alongside civilian professions, may be essential, reflecting a fear of increased conflicts.

Historically, women in Ukraine played only supporting roles, but changes officially recognized their combat contributions in 2017. Today, women serve in various military roles, including snipers, drone operators, fighter pilots, and artillery operators, with many receiving medals and the highest honor, the Hero of Ukraine medal. Their increasing presence in governance and advocacy roles has reshaped perceptions of gender contributions to national defense and security.

This shift in women’s involvement is rooted in the understanding that all of society is at stake, fighting against deportations, sexual violence, and war crimes. The advance of women in these roles is not just about attracting financial and weapon support but also recognizing the existential threat to Ukraine’s identity and sovereignty.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/31/ukraines-women-wage-war-on-russia-as-mothers-breadwinners-and-soldiers?traffic_source=rss