Daria Kaleniuk is Co-founder and Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, an authoritative national organization that has shaped anti-corruption and judicial reforms in Ukraine. Daria is also co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV). On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, she shared the extraordinary participation of Ukrainian women in the resistance against the Russian invasion in 2022 and their crucial role in promoting international action.
Today in Ukraine, women are taking action to keep their country resilient, demonstrating exceptional commitment across all sectors of society. Women’s participation has evolved significantly compared to traditional civil responsibilities. It is generally assumed that the security and defense sector is dominated by men but women today occupy ministerial positions, representing 25% of the armed forces. This war has sparked a movement to promote equality in rights and responsibilities, and many women are willing to take active responsibilities to contribute to the cause. In addition to involvement in the military, Ukrainian women actively participate in various humanitarian and charitable associations, both inside and outside the country. Organizations made up entirely of women provide technology training to the Ukrainian armed forces. From women who support their families alone to those on the front, we are all on the front line in the context of a war for our existence that requires the participation of every individual, without gender distinctions.
As the leader of the Anti-Corruption Action Center and co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory, you have actively supported Ukrainian interests globally. How have women, in particular, helped shape the international narrative and catalyze actions in response to Russian aggression?
The leadership of our center is entirely entrusted to women, a decision that was also influenced by the circumstances, given that men cannot leave the country due to the ongoing war. This situation has pushed us to actively devote ourselves to giving voice to our compatriots beyond the Ukrainian borders. Through activism and information campaigns, we are committed to sharing the harsh reality of the situation without reservation. Although it may seem unusual, and sometimes even shocking, to hear women talk about weapons, we believe it is essential to reach out to international decision-makers to make the world understand that we cannot negotiate with those who commit such atrocious acts.
How do you perceive the connection between women’s empowerment and the fight against corruption? How can advancing gender equality contribute to more effective measures and the overall development of society?
The link between women’s empowerment and the fight against corruption is crucial to understanding how to promote a more equal and resilient society. Gender equality is not only an ethical principle, but also an agent for social progress and well-being. In particular, the active involvement of women in decision-making spheres contributes significantly to promoting more effective measures and building a more robust society. Women can act as catalysts for cultural change, promoting transparency, integrity and accountability at all levels of society. Gender diversity in leadership positions helps create a more balanced environment. While reservations persist, for example, regarding the involvement of women in key roles within the armed forces, there is ample evidence that women show greater concern for the safety of soldiers and more prudent management of operations. This competence must be recognized and encouraged, overcoming cultural barriers and promoting more active female participation in all spheres of decision-making. Addressing such stereotypes and prejudices is essential to ensure genuine progress towards a fairer and stronger society.
In conflict situations, women face specific risks related to gender-based violence and discrimination. What is your assessment of the situation of women in Ukraine during this period, especially regarding gender violence?
Women in Ukraine are immersed in a complex and tormented reality, which requires an urgent and thorough response. Gender violence has been used as a weapon of war by Russia, with horrific testimonies from the liberated territories and from the front. This form of violence is not simply a collateral result of the conflict, but represents a deliberate and bloody strategy, with devastating consequences for the women involved. Atrocities include harassment, kidnapping and systematic abuse. Women, including enlisted personnel, live in constant fear of not only losing their lives on the battlefield, but also of being taken hostage and subjected to unspeakable horrors. The psychological violence and sexual abuse perpetrated by the Russian military have inflicted deep wounds, the invisible scars of which extend beyond the battlefield, generating lasting impacts on society. Addressing these traumas requires timely and targeted intervention, providing the appropriate support to the affected women. Only in this way will it be possible to mitigate the long-term effects of this war.
What are your thoughts on the role of women in promoting a better world and how can we collaborate to achieve this shared goal?
The need for action to ensure gender equality is pressing, not only in Ukraine but globally. Women are champions in promoting a free world, and the ongoing war has made their role in building a better future even more urgent. There must be a greater presence of women in the defense and security sector, especially at high decision-making levels. I believe this will help make the world a safer and more just place.
AICS is involved in numerous initiatives in Ukraine to protect women and promote gender equality, providing psychological support to victims of conflict and promoting female emancipation at all levels of society. Furthermore, it is active in the area of anti-corruption, contributing to the OECD’s “Ukraine Country Programme”, which aims to specifically support the strengthening of the rule of law and anti-corruption initiatives.
