Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 378):

Today the world celebrates International Women’s Day. It used to be one of the major holidays in the Soviet Union and remains a public holiday in many post-Communist countries. However, the idea behind this holiday was distorted to serve propaganda (like most things in the Soviet Union). It was transforming from mobilizing women to take men’s jobs during WWII (because the labor resources were short) to viewing women as mothers (when there was a need to boost the population in post-WWII years) but was ultimately reduced to one day a year when men are expected to treat women nicely. However, the initial idea behind this holiday is to address the issues women face, recognize women’s achievements, and promote women’s rights. Interestingly enough, one of the reasons for celebrating this holiday on March 8 comes from the Russian Empire – in 1917, women in Petrograd staged a strike to protest food shortages, poor living conditions, and World War I. Wouldn’t it be nice if the women in Russia knew about this and decided to do the same today?

There are many different views on the role and position of a woman in society, but I will not go into them. Today, I wanted to recognize the struggles Ukrainian women are facing because of Russian aggression:

• Over 40,000 Ukrainian women serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine (9% of the personnel), and 20,000 more are civilians providing maintenance and support to the army. This number does not include the numerous volunteers and paramedics who serve alongside the military. However, few people know that until recently, all military uniforms were tailored to male shapes. They are still testing uniforms cut to fit female bodies (including adjustments for pregnant women). Needless to say that the frontline conditions have little accommodation for personal hygiene and privacy, which makes it challenging for women. However, this does not stop the brave Ukrainian women from defending their land.
• Women and children are the most vulnerable group in any military conflict. They become an easy target for the enemy. We’ve heard many blood-chilling reports about the cruelty of the Russian army. Quite a few reports came from the liberated Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions about women getting pregnant after being raped. This war crime also qualifies as genocide.
• Many women have left the country after the invasion to take their children to safety. Most of them had to leave without their husbands or other family members. Being in a foreign country, sharing a dorm room with strangers, finding ways to support yourself, getting children into school, and managing daily activities while having your heart and mind busy with the thoughts of your loved ones in Ukraine requires nothing short of a superpower.
• The faithfulness of a mother who prays day and night for her son in the war zone. The courage it takes to be a true partner of your husband and hold the homefront while he is defending your homeland at the frontline. These two can do the impossible when it comes to providing for their loved ones. They know how to hope against despair and keep investing in the new generation of Ukrainians.

I am proud to know women who change the world through their example of serving God, their family, and their community. May the Lord bless us with being the Daughters He wants us to be in Him.