GENDER DIMENSION OF UKRAINE’S POST-WAR RECOVERY PLANS

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the gender dimension of Ukraine’s post-war recovery agenda and assesses whether gender equality commitments are translated into governance mechanisms and funding priorities. The study traces the evolution of gender-sensitive language and institutional initiatives across the Ukraine Recovery Conference process and related recovery plans, and examines how these commitments interact with EU and donor frameworks. Methodologically, it combines qualitative document analysis (conference declarations, policy papers, legal and program documents) with a descriptive review of development-finance data reported to the OECD Development Assistance Committee (OECD DAC), including the gender equality policy marker used to classify official development assistance. The findings indicate a gradual strengthening of gender mainstreaming in recovery narratives (participation, protection from gender-based violence, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusion of vulnerable groups), alongside the emergence of dedicated coordination formats and partnerships. At the same time, a persistent implementation gap is identified: gender objectives are often formulated at the level of principles, while earmarked resources, measurable targets, and harmonised indicators remain limited. OECD DAC reporting suggests that even during periods of intensified donor support, a substantial share of aid is not coded with gender equality as a principal objective, which complicates accountability for outcomes. The article argues that an infrastructure- first recovery model risks reproducing pre-war inequalities unless paired with investments in the care economy, labour-market inclusion, and survivor-centred services. Practical recommendations focus on adopting gender- responsive budgeting with transparent allocations, strengthening monitoring through SMART indicators and open reporting, institutionalising the participation of women’s organisations in recovery governance, and improving donor coordination so that gender commitments are reflected in financing and oversight.