Ukraine’s Gender-Inclusive Recovery: A Missed Opportunity in Policy, Diaspora Engagement, and Return Strategies

As Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine continues its fourth year, recovery and reconstruction efforts have begun to take shape. Yet the vision guiding these efforts often overlooks the gendered realities of displacement, integration, and return. Despite repeated references to “equality” and “inclusion” in government strategies, policies remain largely disconnected from the lived experiences of women, LGBTQ+ people, and other marginalised groups, both within Ukraine and among the millions who fled abroad. The disconnect is not only a matter of policy design but also of political will, coordination, and recognition of who gets to participate in shaping Ukraine’s postwar future. 

This commentary outlines the key challenges undermining Ukraine’s gender-inclusive recovery and offers recommendations for ensuring that post-war reconstruction is efficient, just, and inclusive.