The EU4GenderEquality Reform Helpdesk project, funded by the European Union and implemented by NIRAS, provided expert support to the Ukrainian National Platform (UNP) of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. A two-day strategic dialogue on integrating gender equality and human rights into the UNP operational programme took place on 18-19 March 2026.
The event brought together representatives of various UNP member organisations, as well as gender experts, to discuss the challenges of implementing gender policies in the context of the ongoing war and national reconstruction. Participants exchanged practical ideas and developed local solutions that fit the unique socio-political environment of Ukraine.
Marta Chumalo, Center for Women’s Perspectives, Coordinator of WG1 UNP:
UNP is a powerful association of public organizations that support Ukraine’s European integration vector and basic European values. Gender equality is often a cornerstone, one of the most significant value dividers between Ukraine and Russia, turning from a social issue into a geopolitical choice. It distances us from Russian influence due to the fundamental difference in approaches to human rights and state ideology. Therefore, holding and supporting such events is difficult to overestimate, especially if these events take place offline. Representatives of all UNP FGS working groups had the opportunity not only to familiarize themselves with recently adopted international documents in the field of ensuring gender equality and discuss strategic steps towards implementing the UNP Gender Equality Policy, but also to reflect on how these approaches can be grounded in the priorities of their working groups in partnership.
The European Commission adopted the Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 on 5 March 2026. This means that it is important for us, as a civil society platform, to become even more active in the European direction, to strengthen cooperation and develop joint programs and events.
We thank Marta Chumalo (Center for Women’s Perspectives, coordinator of WG1 UNP) and Tetyana Ivanina (Bureau of Gender Strategies and Budgeting) for organizing and holding the event.