Gender advisors work to ensure that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are modern, fair, and effective. Yet, many myths and misconceptions about their role, responsibilities, and mission still exist. We've collected the most common myths from existing gender advisors in the military — and debunked them.

Myth: Gender advisors only deal with women's rights.

Fact: Gender advisors work across all aspects of equality, supporting both women and men. Women seek assistance more often due to the barriers they face in a traditionally "male" field. The role of a gender advisor is to see the complete picture and ensure equal access, respect, and fair working conditions for all service members, regardless of gender.

Myth: Gender advisors focus on "women's issues," not defence. 

Fact: The gender approach supports mission planning and risk assessment for civilian populations and helps avoid critical oversights. For example, gender analysis helps understand how different population groups—women, men, children, and older adults—are affected by and respond to war. Each group has specific needs, experiences, and vulnerabilities, which modern defence systems must take into account.

Myth: Gender advisors are imposed from outside.

Fact: Gender advisors are part of a global strategy within the framework of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. In NATO, UN, and EU structures, gender advisors are integral to planning, operations analysis, and mission development. In Ukraine, gender integration is a component of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, adopted in 2016 and regularly updated. Gender advisors are not foreign influences — they are part of the professional transformation of the defence forces in line with Euro-Atlantic integration goals.

Myth: This role is only for women.

Fact: Gender advisors can be of both men or women. In the Armed Forces of Ukraine, some men successfully fulfill these responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to promoting equal rights and opportunities for all military personnel. Gender competence is about approach, knowledge, and commitment.

Myth: Gender is a new, trendy concept that appeared when women joined the army.

Fact: The concept of "gender" existed long before women entered military service. The gender approach considers the different needs, opportunities, and experiences of women and men in all sectors, including defence. It is a tool for creating equal opportunities and unlocking everyone's potential, regardless of gender. One key role of gender advisors is understanding, implementing, and analysing the gender approach within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Myth: Gender advisors usually hold high-paying positions.

Fact: Only seven gender advisors currently serve in official, full-time positions in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. As of March 2025, 766 gender advisors serve on a non-staff basis across military universities, operational commands, and units. They perform gender advisor duties in addition to their primary responsibilities and receive compensation only for their official positions. Being a gender advisor is an additional responsibility taken on for the sake of systemic change.

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