The majority of Ukrainian women are not going to go abroad: the reasons are named

According to a survey conducted by the Centre for Economic Strategy and American University Kyiv, 72% of women do not consider going abroad, 15% are considering this possibility, and the rest are undecided.

The importance of staying in Ukraine is emphasised by 79% of respondents, and 72% of women consider it necessary to stay in their home town. Only 6% said that they do not attach importance to staying in Ukraine, and 11% do not consider it important to stay in their place of residence.

The main reason why women prefer to stay in the country is the desire to be close to family - this motivation was expressed by 91% of respondents. In second place is patriotism, 88 per cent of women stay because it is their native country.

Among material factors, the most significant is the availability of housing (72 per cent). Fewer women stay because of a good job (46%) or a higher standard of living in Ukraine compared to foreign countries (47%).

The reasons for thinking about leaving are related to the search for a better standard of living and security. The risk of worsening hostilities or the threat of occupation increases the likelihood of migration almost one and a half times. Potential loss of income or housing are also significant factors.

Migration sentiment is most common among women aged 18-29 and unmarried. Those who have already had the experience of leaving after 2022 are more likely to consider migrating again. Women who are internally displaced do not show a greater desire to leave, except for those who actively use the Russian language.

The main barriers to leaving are uncertainty and fear of starting life from scratch in a new country, difficulties in finding housing and lack of finances to move. 61% of women considering migration note that family obligations (e.g. inability to leave the country because of a husband or son) and language and cultural barriers also play a significant role.

For many Ukrainian women, the issue of housing becomes the most important factor in the decision to stay or leave, often outweighing even income. Rental assistance programmes for IDPs, subsidies for repairing damaged housing and support for local reconstruction should be continued. These initiatives will not only improve housing conditions, but also strengthen physical and psychological resilience," said Vladimir Vakhitov, a behavioural researcher at American University Kyiv.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, 39 per cent of women aged 18-60 have been displaced from their homes, and more than half of them have already returned. 90% of women have experienced traumatic events such as missile attacks, bombing, loss of loved ones, and destruction or damage to housing. 10% have experience of living in the occupied territory, and one in three has a loved one who is or was in the Ukrainian Defence Forces.

How many Ukrainians stay abroad and who are ready to return

Now there are over 6 million in the countries of Europe. Most have managed to obtain legal status, basic support, access to medical care, education and the labour market. However, life in a foreign land is accompanied by many challenges, and a significant part of people still live "between two worlds".

• Have Ukrainians been able to adapt abroad.
• Working abroad: what difficulties Ukrainians have faced.
• The problem of housing.
• Medical care abroad.
• Education for children.
• What can the state do to return its citizens.

Read the answers to these and other questions in the exclusive material on Socialportal.