The Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk took part in the presentation of new uniforms for servicewomen organised by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
The new women's military uniforms are made in Ukraine, and 50,000 sets have already been sewn.
"It's nice that Ukraine is among the leaders here. Because not every army has women's uniforms, even among NATO countries! For example, in France, they issue universal uniforms with clips. In the United States, where the development and implementation of women's uniforms has been thoroughly addressed since the last century, there is even a military uniform for pregnant women," said Olena Kondratiuk, adding that she had been working on this issue for a long time with colleagues from the Inter-Factional Deputy Association Equal Opportunities and the Ukrainian Women's Congress.
She also stressed that for her personally, this event is about dignity and respect for women in the army and our defenders, about social change, awareness of the important role of women in security and defence, and peacebuilding.
"It's about breaking down old patterns and moving away from gender bias. This is the way to go! First of all, for the 62,000 Ukrainian women who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. Of these, 43,479 are non-commissioned officers, officers, soldiers and cadets," the Vice Speaker of the Ukrainian Parliament stressed.
In addition, Olena Kondratiuk thanked the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and, in particular, the Deputy Minister Nataliia Kalmykova for their cooperation in this matter, stressing that changes in the Armed Forces are important and meet the challenges of the times.
"I am pleased that our Armed Forces are changing. They accept new things and understand much better the needs of women who defend Ukraine. We are moving forward to NATO standards along with the values of equal rights and opportunities!" the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine said.
The meeting with the servicewomen and the presentation of the uniforms were also attended by Ukrainian MPs Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, Mariia Ionova, Maryna Bardina and Iryna Nikorak.