The report of the United Nations (UN) Women’s Unit and the aid agency Care, released today in Bonn, revealed that the war in Ukraine has deepened gender inequality and discrimination against minorities has increased.
In the report, it was stated that since the beginning of the war, many women have taken responsibility for their families and assumed leading roles in the society they live in. Despite this, it was stated that women do not take part in decision-making at the administrative level, in humanitarian aid and in the peace process.
A civilian who participated in the survey conducted by Care and UN Women, said, “The majority of humanitarian aid is provided by women. They provide medicine and food to hospitals and individuals, they take care of their relatives and disabled children.” A local aid worker said, “The decision processes have changed. There are many men in decision-making positions, and decisions are taken directly without consultation.”
The report pointed out that there has been a decline in equality between women and men. It was stated that unemployment and poverty increased in the entire population of the country, and in this case, the risk of pushing especially women into the informal sector increased. It was noted that women worked more in unpaid care services compared to the period before the war, and the demand for volunteer-based jobs increased.
Romans in trouble
The report stated that the effects of the war were devastating for the marginalized groups in society. The Roma who participated in the survey noted that they have been victims since the beginning of the war. It was stated that Roma, whose number is estimated to be around 400,000, were rejected at shelters and shelters, they could not get enough information about aid services, and they did not have the necessary documents to cross the border and escape.
Sima Bahous, Director of UN Women, emphasized that humanitarian aid should meet the needs of women and men and all vulnerable groups.
“We hear from people in Ukraine that certain groups, such as people with disabilities, Roma or other ethnic minorities, single mothers and unaccompanied children, need protection and assistance in different ways,” said Karl-Otto Zentel, Secretary General of Care Germany. Zentel added that “this situation should be taken into account urgently in all aid programs”.
UN Women and the aid agency Care demanded that there be non-discrimination in admission to shelters and that they be provided with shelters separated by gender or family. In addition, UN Women and Care, which wants mothers, newborn babies and children to be given priority in health services, stated that victims of sexual violence are also a priority.
UN Women and Care conducted 179 interviews in 19 regions of Ukraine between 2-6 April to prepare the report.
DW,epd / JD,ET