Since Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022, Ukrainian women have worked relentlessly to build on their already considerable contributions to civil society. Even though the war continues, women’s civil society organizations maintain that it is not too early to start planning for peace — or discuss women’s meaningful participation in the post-war process. Women will be instrumental to any sustainable peace and recovery in Ukraine. And as the country waits for the day after conflict to finally arrive, it’s important to ensure that women are prepared and knowledgeable about peace processes and negotiations for the day after conflict. 

On June 6, USIP hosted a discussion with various experts on the role of women’s civil society organizations and how women can meaningfully participate in planning for sustainable peace and furthering the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

Speakers

Ambassador William B. Taylor, welcoming remarks 
Vice President, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Oleksandra Matviichuk, pre-recorded remarks
2022 Nobel Peace Prize Winner; President, Center for Civil Liberties 

Fionnuala Ni Aolain 
Professor and Robina Chair in Law, Public Policy and Society; Faculty Director, Human Rights Center, University of Minnesota Law School 

Anzhelika Bielova
President of Association of Roma Women, Voice of Romni

Iryna Drobovych 
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, University of Minnesota; Visiting Fellow, U.S. Institute of Peace

Anna Nikolaenko
Advisor, Women’s Political Participation and Advocacy, Ukrainian Women’s Congress

Mary Glantz
Acting Director, Russia and Europe Center, U.S. Institute of Peace

Kathleen Kuehnast, moderator
Director, Women, Peace and Security, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

China and Ukraine: Pulling Its Weight with Russia or Potemkin Peacemaker?

China and Ukraine: Pulling Its Weight with Russia or Potemkin Peacemaker?

Friday, November 22, 2024

On Thursday, China’s ambassador, Ma Shengkun, presented his credentials at Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry. Ma, a career diplomat with a background in arms control, replaces Fan Xianrong who had held the post for the past four and a half years. While a diplomatic reshuffle was due, the timing of the turnover and the selection of Ma, in tandem with other recent developments, suggest that China discerns a gradual gathering of momentum for a peace process or truce talks in coming months. In short, Beijing may be seeking to posture itself in anticipation of a new initiative to end — or at least pause — the war in Ukraine.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

China’s Dilemmas Deepen as North Korea Enters Ukraine War

China’s Dilemmas Deepen as North Korea Enters Ukraine War

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Until late October, the big questions about China’s role in the Ukraine conflict centered around whether Beijing would choose to expand its support for Russia to include lethal aid, or if it might engage in more active peacemaking to end the conflict. Then, on November 4, the Pentagon confirmed that North Korea sent more than 10,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk oblast, where Ukraine had captured some territory earlier this year. Days later, the State Department confirmed that North Korean soldiers had begun fighting Ukrainian troops.

Type: Analysis

Conflict Analysis & PreventionGlobal Policy

Australia’s Strategic Thinking on the War in Ukraine, NATO, and Indo-Pacific Security

Australia’s Strategic Thinking on the War in Ukraine, NATO, and Indo-Pacific Security

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Russia’s war against Ukraine has spurred closer cooperation between Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific states and organizations, particularly Australia and NATO, signaling a deepening of ties that could have long-term benefits for global security. Over the long term, writes security expert Gorana Grgić, such alignment is crucial for signaling to potential aggressors that global coalitions are prepared to respond. This report analyzes Australia’s response in order to examine Canberra’s strategic thinking with respect to cross-theater cooperation, and it offers recommendations for US, NATO, and Australian policymakers.

Type: Special Report

Conflict Analysis & PreventionGlobal Policy

How Ukraine is Navigating Russia’s Weaponization of Religion

How Ukraine is Navigating Russia’s Weaponization of Religion

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Since 2014, Ukraine has been trying to repel escalating Russian aggression. But while Russia is a much larger country, with far more weaponry and manpower, their efforts to undermine Ukrainian state sovereignty extend far beyond armed combat. The Kremlin has used its close ties to the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) to weaponize religion in favor of Russian interests.

Type: Analysis

Conflict Analysis & PreventionReligion

View All Publications