On March 8, 2021, the United Nations Population Fund, with the support of the First Lady of Ukraine, presented a video to mark the International Women’s Day, which this year is entitled “Women’s Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World”. The video was created under the Equality Springboard Project, implemented with the financial support of Sweden, the Biarritz Partnership and the ”Big Conversation on Accessibility”, initiated by Olena Zelenska.
According to a sociological survey conducted by the InfoSapiens research agency and commissioned by the UNFPA in 2021, 56% of Ukrainian men and women agree that there are occupations that are suitable only for men or women. Men agreed with that more often (59%) than women (53%). Among young people, this indicator is slightly lower: 38% believe that the division into “female” and “male” occupations is explained by traditional public opinion about what women and men should be and their responsibilities, as well as the differences in the upbringing of boys and girls.
According to a social experiment conducted by the UNFPA and the CSR Center, it has been proven that already in primary school children have prejudices regarding the capacity of women and men to engage in different occupations, which stereotypically refer to “male” or “female” ones.
The video depicts 6 girls that chose an atypical professional path in science (mathematical research, energy saving technology, environmental issues) and sports (fencing, judo, swimming) and achieved significant success. The video presents Olena Kovalenko and Yelyzaveta Lazarova, finalists of the all-Ukrainian competition of the biological forum of school and student youth “Touch of Nature!”; Iryna Kumanetska, winner of the mathematics competition of the Junior Academy of Sciences; Alla Sorokina, swimmer, winner of the children’s sports and athletic contest “Believe in Yourself”; Olha Serdiuk, judoka, winner of the Kyiv Oblast championship; Oleksandra Leonenko, fencer, winner of Ukraine.
“Choosing an occupation and hobby to one’s liking is an inalienable/legal right of everyone. I would like every girl, every woman to believe in herself and not stop on the way to realizing dreams because of stereotypes. We are free to choose who we want to be”, Olena Zelenska stressed.
“Traditional stereotypes about gender roles and patriarchal norms limit the potential and opportunities for women and girls to exercise their rights. According to our survey, 21% of parents incline their children to choose an occupation that “suits a boy or a girl”. We strive for a world of equal opportunities for girls and boys who will be able to realize their potential without being limited to outdated perceptions. Over the next few years, we will work with our national and international partners to overcome these gender stereotypes”, said Jaime Nadal, UNFPA Representative to Ukraine.
