Women during Russia’s war against Ukraine
As Russian aggression in Ukraine continues and the rest of Europe goes through unstable times, on International Women’s Day, let’s remember and pay tribute to the women who fight, defend, serve, and work hard to defend Europe.
Being women in the armed forces of a country that defends itself and fights for survival means constantly being in danger, continuously putting your life at risk, damaging their health and well-being, and not seeing family and friends for a long time.
But these women chose to make sacrifices to protect themselves, their families, the Ukrainian people, and their country. Some women were killed by Russia.
There exist cases of harassment and discrimination that women go through. But there are signs of improvement, as the role of women in the Ukrainian Armed Forces is more recognised and appreciated. For example, in June 2025, the Ukrainian Armed Forces announced the formation of the first all-female crew to intercept Russian drones. There is also a special Women’s Veterans Movement or Veteranka, which “supports women in the military, protects the rights of women in security and defence forces and helps women veterans return to civilian life”.
Supporting Ukraine beyond the battlefield
We must also recognise the efforts of women who are not participating in combat operations but are defending Ukraine by standing alongside soldiers, such as medics, nurses, volunteers, and all women working hard to provide essential support to soldiers and veterans.
Europe owes these women gratitude and remembrance for the sacrifices Ukrainian women made in defending it against Russian aggression.
Friends of Bylines Network
There has never been a greater need for grassroots journalism that investigates the stories that really matter, holds power to account and champions the voices of everyday citizens. We are proudly powered by volunteers but what we do isn’t free.
STAND WITH US for independent, citizen-led journalism that makes democracy stronger, and you will even get some exclusive benefits.
Women in the British Armed Forces
On 1 April 2025, there were 16,300 women in the UK Regular Forces, accounting for 11.9% of the total trained and untrained personnel. The proportion of women in the Reserve Forces was higher at 15.9%.
The statistics from April 2021 indicate that female representation in the British Army was 10% within the UK Regular Forces and 15% in the Reserves. In the Royal Navy, female representation was 10% in the Regular Forces and 16% in the Reserves. For the Royal Air Force, female representation stood at 15% in the Regular Forces and 23% in the Reserves.
The British Army emphasises equality and states that “gender is not a barrier to success in the Army”.
However, the case of female soldier Jaysey Beck, who took her own life after being harassed by one of her bosses, illustrates that the British Army must still take all necessary steps to create a culture of respect towards women in the armed forces and to deal effectively with cases of harassment and discrimination against women.
In February 2025, one of the ex-soldiers told an inquest that women in the Army are often subjected to ‘humiliating’ comments, ‘vicious gossip’ and ‘unwanted attention’ from male colleagues.
In October 2025, the Wiltshire Police began a nationwide investigation into sexual abuse across several Army locations in the UK after reports of historic sexual abuse allegations made during enlistment, which resulted in hundreds of women coming forward to report sexual abuse during the medical examinations.
However, there are also signs of potential improvements in the conditions of women who serve to defend Britain. In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence introduced changes to support women in the Armed Forces, including creating a new specialist Tri-Service team to handle the most serious complaints and the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce.
Women in the British armed forces deserve our gratitude for their service in defending Britain and providing deterrence against any threats.
As Britain continues to strengthen its defence, the role of women in defending Britain and its allies should be recognised, appreciated, and respected by the government, state institutions, and society. The British defence and security forces must attract women willing to serve the country and ensure they receive appropriate treatment and protection while serving.
Women in other European defence forces
The Nordic countries were the first to adopt universal conscription. In 2015, Norway became the first NATO country to introduce mandatory military service for women. Sweden did the same in 2017. Denmark included women in its lottery-style conscription system. As Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are increasing their defence spending, this is another indication of the growing military powers of these three nations.
While other European countries do not have mandatory conscription for women, women are nonetheless permitted to serve in the defence forces.
Therefore, on International Women’s Day, a day when the achievements and the successes of women are supposed to be celebrated, a day which is supposed to remind the world about the rights and freedoms of women and at a time when Europe is at a turning point in its future, let’s remember the women who choose to fight and defend their rights and freedoms with their lives, arms, and hard work. Let us also remember the women who fight to defend other women and their rights, freedoms, and future.
History will remember them forever.
