Press briefing by UN Women on the 3-year mark of the war in Ukraine

Good morning and thank you for being here today. 

We meet at a critical moment for Ukraine, where war continues to take an unimaginable toll on the lives of millions of women and girls. Behind the headlines, beyond the battlefield, there is another story unfolding—a story of women and girls who are bearing the brunt of this war, yet standing resilient, leading their communities, and working toward a better future. As we mark on Monday three years since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, I want to shed light on their realities, their struggles, and their leadership—and to reaffirm UN Women’s commitment to supporting them.

The full-scale war has pushed an entire generation of Ukrainian women and girls backward in terms of rights, safety, and economic opportunities. In 2024 the number of killed and injured in  Ukraine increased by 30 percent, with 800 women losing their lives and more than 3,700 being injured. The vast majority of Ukrainian refugees and displaced persons are women and 6.7 million women are in need of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. Women’s access to key health, energy and education services is compromised, with over half the country’s primary healthcare facilities damaged or destroyed. The UN is unable to access occupied parts of Ukraine, but we are concerned about the plight of women in detention and their vulnerability to sexual violence. The UN has verified 398 cases of conflict related sexual violence perpetuated by Russian forces so far.    

In Ukraine, cases of domestic violence have surged by 36 per cent since 2023. War-related distress has contributed to this increase in gender-based and domestic violence, as well as to the higher rates of depression among women and girls. Women do not have equal access to the economy. In 2023, women made up 72.5 per cent of the unemployed. By 2024, only 48 per cent of displaced women were employed, compared to 71 per cent of men. Women also earned 41.4 per cent less than men in 2023, doubling the pay gap since 2021. Unpaid care and domestic work have risen, with women spending 56 hours per week on childcare in 2024, up from 49 hours before the war. The closure of childcare facilities has worsened the burden. 

Despite these hardships, Ukrainian women are showing extraordinary leadership. They are driving economic recovery, leading humanitarian efforts, and even enlisting in the armed forces in record numbers. More than 68,000 women have joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with 5,000 actively serving in combat roles. 

And yet, women remain severely underfunded. In 2022, less than 1 percent of all international aid in support of recovery in Ukraine included a gender equality focus.  

Since the start of the full-scale war, UN Women has been at the forefront, providing life-saving assistance to women and girls across Ukraine. From humanitarian aid and psychosocial support to economic and political empowerment initiatives, we are working tirelessly to ensure that women and women’s organizations are not left behind. In 2024 alone, we have supported more than 180,000 women and girls affected by the war. Through the Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund, we have directed over $20 million to 54 women-led and women’s rights organizations operating in the hardest-hit areas. 

UN Women’s work is not only about meeting immediate needs—it’s about securing women’s access to rights, strengthening their participation in decision-making, and ensuring they have a strong voice in shaping Ukraine’s future.  

Because there can be no lasting peace in Ukraine without women at the table. History has shown us that peace agreements are more durable and inclusive when women are involved. This is not just a matter of fairness—it is a matter of effectiveness. 

I would like to take the opportunity of the three-year mark and the upcoming 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, to call on all partners and decision-makers for renewed financial and political support to women’s rights organizations and women leaders in Ukraine to deliver humanitarian assistance, participate in early recovery, and engage in peace processes. 

We cannot fail the women and girls of Ukraine now. If we stand together, we can ensure that women and girls not only survive this war but emerge from it stronger, empowered, and leading the way toward a just and equal future.  

Thank you.