On March 20, the event "Integrating Gender Perspectives into Military Education: Best Practices and Pathways for Development" brought together speakers and participants to discuss education as a key factor in achieving gender equality. The discussion featured representatives from the National Defence University of Ukraine, the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, and the Zhytomyr Military Institute named after S. P. Koroliov.

Key takeaways from the discussion included:

• The full-scale invasion altered perceptions of women's roles in the military, leading to a notable increase in female cadets across all military higher education institutions. Young people are highly motivated and actively supportive of these changes.
• The leadership role of gender advisors in military educational institutions was emphasized. They often act as critical agents of change, shaping a culture of respect and ensuring equal opportunities for all cadets.
• Gender advisors highlighted the importance of receiving support from the leadership of military higher education institutions in implementing gender perspectives.
• Military educational institutions actively engage with the civil sector and international partners. For instance, Zhytomyr Military Institute collaborates with civil society through the "Zhytomyrshchyna – 1325" coalition, and the National Defence University of Ukraine involved the PROTECT2 project to develop an online course.
• Dedicated educational modules on gender topics are being developed and implemented. For example, the Zhytomyr Military Institute introduced a gender equality module for third- and fourth-year cadets.
• Military institutions are establishing coordination mechanisms for integrating gender perspectives. One example is the Gender Council at the Military Institute of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University.
• It is crucial to take a systematic approach to integrating gender issues across all levels of military education, from strategic documents to engaging cadets in awareness-raising activities and training.
• Despite positive developments, gender stereotypes persist, underscoring the importance of accessible awareness tools like online courses. Recognizing this, the National Defence University of Ukraine developed the online course "Gender Equality in the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

Challenges and Prospects:

• Despite positive trends, there remains a lack of a systematic approach to integrating gender perspectives in military education. Establishing a clear educational pathway, from military high schools to higher military education institutions, is necessary.
• Gender education should target not only cadets but also teaching staff and commanders.
• There is a noticeable shortage of qualified military trainers on gender equality, similar to those trained at the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations and through regional gender training courses for trainers in the Western Balkans.
• Gender education must be practical rather than purely theoretical. The Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations offers leading examples of effective gender education in NATO countries.

Key factors for successfully integrating gender perspectives include a systematic approach, supportive leadership, leadership of gender advisors, motivation of cadets, and international experience exchange with NATO countries. Education remains essential for establishing gender equality within the Armed Forces of Ukraine.