More and more women are joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Yet gender stereotypes persist, influencing perceptions about women’s roles in the military. These stereotypes hinder the achievement of true equality, limiting career growth and professional development opportunities for women in defence.

This International Women’s Day, we’re challenging common myths about women in the military, drawing on facts and the real experiences of our defenders.‍

Myth 1: “Women are physically weaker, thus less effective in combat.”‍

Physical strength is an individual trait, and effectiveness in combat depends not only on physical abilities but also intelligence, psychological resilience, endurance, and professional skills. Over 10,000 Ukrainian servicewomen currently serving on the frontline prove this daily.‍

Myth 2: “Women are emotionally unstable and cannot make decisions under pressure.”‍

Emotional stability is an individual characteristic that doesn’t depend on gender. Military service requires emotional intelligence and the ability to manage emotions effectively—skills anyone, regardless of gender, can develop.‍

Myth 3: “Women should focus on non-combat roles in the army.”‍

Combat effectiveness is about competence and skills, which anyone can develop given equal opportunities for training and development. Ukrainian women have already proven their capabilities in all military roles, including frontline combat positions, though they often face greater obstacles to demonstrate their competence.‍

Myth 4: “Women receive special privileges in the military.”‍

Gender stereotypes can either ease or significantly complicate military service conditions. Ensuring fair and equal treatment for all service members benefits everyone, creating better conditions for both men and women.‍

Myth 5: “Women should focus on raising children, not serving in the army.”‍

Women have the right to choose their life path, including military service. Balancing family and military responsibilities is a challenge for all military personnel, regardless of gender. Professional and family responsibilities can successfully coexist with the support of partners and effective social support systems.‍

Myth 6: “Women require special protection. Men will focus on protecting women rather than completing missions.”‍

This form of “benevolent sexism,” though well-intentioned, restricts women under the guise of care. Successful teamwork depends primarily on trust in comrades’ combat abilities rather than their gender. Breaking down such barriers is a shared responsibility of both women and men.‍

Myth 7: “Men and women already have equal rights.”‍

Although equal rights for men and women are formally recognized in Ukraine, true equality in practice has yet to be fully realized. In the defence sector, women often encounter barriers regarding career advancement, military enlistment, and training opportunities equal to those of men.‍

Myth 8: “Women avoid responsibility and cannot be leaders.”‍

Ukrainian women have repeatedly proven their ability to assume leadership roles—in the Ministry of Defence, command positions, and directly on the battlefield. With continued gender integration, the influence of women leaders will only continue to grow.