There are 40 per cent more women in the AFU

This was reported by the Ukrainian Defence Ministry.

At the moment, almost 43,000 women serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This is 12 thousand more compared to 2021.

The ministry also told about changes in the issue of gender equality. In particular, all restrictions for access of servicemen to all positions were cancelled.

If previously women could serve in positions of mainly medical specialities, communicators, accountants, clerks and cooks, now a woman in the army can be a driver, grenade launcher, deputy commander of a reconnaissance team, commander of a BMP, repairman, machine gunner, sniper, etc., - said the ministry.

The age of signing a contract for military service has also changed. Now women can sign a contract at the age of 18 to 60 years, as well as men.

In addition, women were given the opportunity to receive military education of all levels.

Firstly. Since 2019, the Government of Ukraine allowed girls to enter military lyceums. Secondly. Women who see themselves as officers of the AFU in the future have access to all levels of military education. They are allowed to master the same specialities as men and then to serve in a wide range of positions," the Ministry of Defence said.

Work has been organised to raise the level of competence of personnel to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men. We are talking about trainings, seminars, educational programmes, round tables with the participation of international organisations, which are held in all military units.

Aspects of equal rights are also taken into account in the drafting of normative legal acts. All documents drafted by the Ministry of Defence undergo gender expertise.

We would like to remind you that the Ministry of Defence has begun testing two models of modular body armour with a structurally curved plate for women.