At least one women's unit would establish a tradition that we still do not have — woman in the military

During the war, there has been a significant increase in the number of women serving in the army in Ukraine. However, despite this positive development, women still encounter instances of sexism and must continually prove their right and capability to defend their homeland on equal terms with men.

Yaryna Chornohuz, a servicewoman, poet, and volunteer, shared her perspective on this matter during an interview with Hromadske Radio.

Chornohuz noted the changing dynamics, stating:

«I was not the only woman in the marine battalion. There were many women there, such as clerks and signalmen. I was the only one in a combat position in the company for a long time, but after the full-scale invasion began, we also had female combat medics. The attitude has changed to some extent. There are more women, and the window of opportunity for women to take up combat positions and beyond is still open«.

Reflecting on her personal experience, she acknowledged the presence of varying attitudes among male colleagues, with some holding sexist prejudices. Nevertheless, she emphasized her focus on performing her duties competently and the positive support she received from her company and commanders.

Encouraging civilian women to consider joining the army, Chornohuz acknowledged the fear of facing sexism but urged acceptance, saying:

«You need to accept that this will happen when you join the army and not be afraid. For centuries, it has been said that «war and the army are not a woman’s business, but a man’s business». You can’t turn this off in a couple of years. You just have to accept and go with what you have«.

Chornohuz suggested the creation of an all-female battalion as a positive step forward, stating:

«I see the expediency and benefit in this because now we have a lot of combat units with all men, and where the commanders have a principled position that they do not want to take women. A women’s unit, at least one, would start a tradition of women’s combat units, which we still don’t have in Ukraine, and would give an opportunity to those women who would like to take up combat positions but who don’t want to break through the wall of prejudice in mixed battalions.»

Addressing common comments about mothers going to war, Chornohuz emphasized the equality of importance between fatherhood and motherhood and challenged sexist prejudices, stating:

«Most men, who make up 80-90% of the frontline, are fathers and have children. And I don’t believe that fatherhood is less important for a man than motherhood for a woman. The fact that women have made this choice and do not see their children is not normal. This is also sexist prejudice«.