Women & The 2014 Ukraine Crisis

Caitlin Fulbright

Critical Issues Set the Stage-President Viktor Yanukovich and other politicians within the Ukrainian legislature are financially corrupt.

-Economic depression leaves the government two options: Begin negotiations with the EU to open trade or take a large loan and incur debt from Russia.

-The EU agreement risks alienating Russia and staunching the supply of cheap gasoline.

-The dilemma teeters upon East vs West tensions remaining from WWII/Cold War. Economic models and ideological differences create foreign policy.

Mayhem at Maidan-President Yanukovich suddenly reversed his decision to enter EU negotiations and vetoed the proposal.

-Thousands of Ukrainians who identify as Europeans felt their hopes for better living standards were extinguished.

-Patriotic protests demanded that the President resign and Parliament to be purged.

-Dissolved into deadly armed conflict with militarized police. Over 120 protesters killed by snipers and other means with 18 police deaths.

Deposition and Division-President Yanukovich resigned from power and an interim government was installed to maintain a democratic constitution and hold elections.

-Far-right nationalist splinter groups with ties to Nazism challenge for control of power vacuum.

-Russian Ukrainians denounce regime change and militia groups counter attack. The locus of violence shifts to the eastern Donbas region where there is organized warfare. Separatists and undercover Russian troops gain control of Crimea and it is annexed to Russia through referendum. Russia is accused to violating international law protecting Ukraine’s national sovereignty.

Where are the Women?

-Ukrainian women live under a rigidly patriarchal society-men are wage-earners and women are homemakers.

-Limitations on women are not explicitly enforced by a secular pre-revolution government, they are experienced as de facto cultural realities that impede activities such as job-seeking.

-Women are poorly represented in government due to lack of the necessary social networks and education discrepancies.

-Poor economic prospects leave women no other choice than prostitution. Ukraine is a prime destination and origin nation for trafficked women.

Wonder Women?-Women were affected both positively and negatively by the revolution. It is uncertain whether the future holds progress or stagnation of equality. Negative

--Militarization and nationalist sentiments consolidate traditionalist gender roles. Nationalist political parties will inscribe them into law.

-State social safety nets exhausted of resources leaving many household to struggle to meet basic needs.

-Soldiers returning home receive little assistance with reintegration. Violent masculinity from military service infiltrates civilian male identities. Domestic violence increases.

-Women are still poorly represented in politics

Positive -instrumental role at Maidan throwing Molotov cocktails, defending barricades, and tending the sick alongside men increases equality in social consciousness.

-Raised awareness of political issues among women. Demonstration that their participation can create change may improve enfranchisement.

-The women as figureheads of the nation are imagined with “strong woman” characteristics.

-Informal exchange economy set up at Maidan help women with economic hardship.

-Warfare deflated the sextourism industry

The Dakh Daughters are an all-female cabaret group that performed at the Maidan protests. Their interpretations of women’s folk songs and their iconic significance to the revolution provide a visual example of the role women are playing in constructing national identities in transition. I’ve attached a few links to their work and article with a general overview of the meaning behind their lyrics for those whose curiosities beckon.

Cabaret

Curiosities

ConclusionsThat women played a pivotal role beyond those traditionally designated to them alongside men in the symbolic rebirth of the new Ukraine at Maidan is a promising sign for increased equality.

“Hard Issues” such as economic limitations and low-representation in government impede immediate reforms for the time being.

Change is achieved through soft politics and evolution of cultural characterizations of men and women.