Since russia invaded Ukraine, women have been active both at the front and in the rear. From making Molotov cocktails to dismantling of road signs, from supplying food to purchasing bulletproof vests.
Women’s vital role in Ukraine’s national defence can be traced to the Maidan protests in 2013–2014. Since that, the number of female recruits has been constantly growing in response to russian aggression. According to the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, at the beginning of 2021, there were around 57,000 women in Ukraine’s armed forces, comprising almost 23% of the total.
This figure is far higher than those of its neighbours. For example, in Poland – 7.5%, in russia – 4%, as well as in the US – 16% and in Germany – 12%. Norway and Sweden have a comparable or higher level of female representation in their military.
Ukraine is a land of free and open people. We are resisting. But today we need a closed sky!
KINODOPOMOHA — channel of film resistance and film aid from the Ukrainian film community