Olha Stefanishyna: Recovery is primarily about people who shape the future of the country

Recovery is primarily about people who shape the future of the country. This was emphasised by Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine, opening the panel discussion "Gender Equality and Women's Leadership in Recovery and Reconstruction" at URC2025.

The discussion also brought together Eugenia Maria Roccella, Minister for the Family, the Birth Rate and Equal Opportunities of Italy; Kirsi Madi, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN Women Deputy Executive Director for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships.

In her speech, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed that ensuring gender equality in Ukraine is not a symbolic issue, but a basic condition for a fair and effective recovery of the state. "Recovery is not only about the physical rebuilding of cities. It is about people who create the future. It is about building trust, institutions and inclusion. That is why Ukrainian women, who not only support the resilience of the state during the war, but also defend the frontline together with men, should be at the centre of policies, funding and decisions."

She stressed that Ukraine had already proven that it is capable of promoting inclusive policies even during an ongoing full-scale war. In particular, she mentioned the 43% increase in the number of women in business since 2021. Olha Stefanishyna also noted the importance of implementing inclusive and gender-sensitive policies of the EU Gender Equality Index, which was presented for the first time this year and for the first time calculates one of the key criteria - the time a woman has to fulfil herself outside of her household duties.

In her speech, the Government official also stressed the importance of the launch last year of the Alliance for Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Recovery, which had already united international efforts. Thus, the Alliance currently unites more than 94 members, including government agencies, international organisations, NGOs and representatives of the private sector. During the year of its existence, 35 new members joined the Alliance - governments, international and non-governmental organisations, and donor agencies. Among them are Iceland, Austria, Croatia, and Romania. Olha Stefanishyna stressed the importance of further steps to strengthen partnership, expand the circle of like-minded people and move from planning to implementation of practical projects.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna and Italian Minister for the Family, Birth Rate and Equal Opportunities Eugenia Maria Roccella confirmed the importance of cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of gender equality. In this context, Olha Stefanishyna noted the importance of signing a Memorandum between the governments of Ukraine and Italy on systemic cooperation in the field of gender equality.

The official emphasised the importance of confirming the existing commitments of international partners to support women leaders, entrepreneurs and victims of war-related violence. Olha Stefanishyna also stressed the importance of achieving justice for all those who have suffered the consequences of the war.

Towards the end of her speech, Olha Stefanishyna emphasised that being a leader is not only about reaching the top, but also about making sure that others rise alongside you.