Mission to Dnipro: Another Call to End Gender-Based Violence
December 02, 2024
We arrived in Dnipro just a few days after the city endured another brutal attack by Russian forces, this time with a new type of missile. The scars of war were visible, yet the resilience of the city’s people shone through. Streets buzzed with life, a defiant testament to their unbreakable spirit.
Our destination was the International Forum “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, an event co-organised by EUAM Ukraine and the Dnipro State University of Internal Affairs, our long-standing and reliable partner. This was the second forum of this kind conducted by the EUAM’s Mobile Unit this year, following the first in Poltava on 22-23 November.
Taking place on 27-28 November as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the forum brought together a diverse group of participants—law enforcement officers, civil society organisations, and regional representatives from the east of Ukraine – regions deeply affected by Russian aggression. Against the backdrop of war, the event served as both a rallying cry and a platform for collaboration in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).
“Forums like this play a crucial role in raising public awareness about gender-based violence, challenging societal perceptions, and fostering collective action. Only through such dialogue and collaboration can we move towards building a society that is both safe and equitable for all,” said Ove Urup-Madsen, the head of the Mission’s Mobile Unit, which has been actively engaged in organising and coordinating these forums.
Confronting the Shadows of Violence
Gender-based violence in Ukraine is a deep-seated issue, further intensified by Russia’s unprovoked aggression. While GBV disproportionately affects women and girls—accounting for 90% of victims—it spares no one. Men, boys and the elderly have also suffered, particularly in the form of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV). The UN has documented hundreds of cases of such violence since the full-scale invasion began, revealing the harrowing realities faced by Ukrainians in occupied territories.
As the Head of EUAM Ukraine, Rolf Holmboe, stated in his opening speech, the war in Ukraine continues to exacerbate various forms of violence against women and men, particularly those in war zones or displaced from their homes; these vulnerabilities are compounded by the economic and political instability caused by Russia’s full-scale aggression.
The forum in Dnipro tackled these challenges head-on. Through panels and working groups, first responders, police, and civil society representatives exchanged insights and best practices. Discussions explored the stark realities of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and the newly recognised scourge of CRSV. Representatives from Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kharkiv regions, including regional representatives from the Verkhovna Rada Ombudsperson’s office, shared the sobering truth: many survivors remain silent, either unaware of their rights or too fearful to seek help. And we need to make sure that the victims of GBV will be treated with full respect and honour and will feel safe and protected. All of us must contribute to this effort. As there should be no place for GBV in our lives, in our communities.
As Oksana Chervyakova, Representative of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region, underlined that such events, which combine the efforts of law enforcement, the public, representatives of the state and local authorities, including all territorial communities of the region, provide an understanding of current problems and aim to develop promising solutions.
Progress Amidst the Pain
Despite grim statistics, Ukraine has made significant strides towards gender equality. This year marks the 140th anniversary of the Ukrainian Women’s Movement, a testament to the country’s long-standing commitment to progress, including in gender mainstreaming. In 2022, even amidst the ongoing war, Ukraine ratified the Istanbul Convention, a landmark treaty aimed at combating violence against women. Furthermore, legislative measures such as the Act on Equal Pay for Women and Men and gender mainstreaming initiatives within the civilian security sector reflect a nation determined to advance human rights.
The Mission stands firmly beside Ukraine in these efforts. Through strategic advice, capacity building, and training, EUAM continues to support Ukrainian law enforcement agencies in tackling GBV—from addressing domestic violence to equipping police and prosecutors to handle CRSV cases.
As we departed the resilient city of Dnipro, the words spoken at the forum lingered. Ending gender-based violence requires collective action—by individuals, communities, and nations. The scars of war may run deep, but so does the resolve to heal and build a future where dignity and equality prevail.
