Tenth Periodic Report to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Ukraine is now preparing its tenth periodic report to the UN Committee under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, covering the period from 2022 to 2026. A draft of the report was reviewed in Kyiv, with First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Liudmyla Shemelynets, along with representatives of state institutions, international and civil society organizations, and experts taking part.
Topics Covered in the Consultations
The meeting consisted of five thematic sessions. These focused on:
- legislation and the functioning of state institutions
- women's rights in conflict settings
- women's role in the security and defense sector
- discrimination in the social sphere
After the sessions, experts provided recommendations for the draft report, which will be integrated as the document is further developed.
Liudmyla Shemelynets said: 'Over these years, Ukraine has achieved a great deal in the area of gender equality. We see that fewer and fewer professions are seen as exclusively female or male. This became especially visible after the beginning of the full-scale war. At the same time, we are now facing equally elevated levels of violence and discrimination, including against women. So we need to focus on what we have not yet accomplished and on the tasks ahead of us.'
The preparation of the report demonstrates Ukraine's commitment to international standards for women's rights, despite the difficulties caused by the conflict. The discussions revealed both positive achievements and serious issues that still require attention, which highlights the importance of continued dialogue between state agencies, civil society, and international partners. Periodic reports under CEDAW are a standard mechanism for reviewing how countries meet their treaty obligations. The outcome could be a meaningful step toward ensuring greater equality and protection for women in Ukraine.
As Ukraine continues to address the pressing issues of gender equality in the context of ongoing conflict, the recent publication by the Constitutional Court highlighting the insights of seven prominent female scholars further emphasizes the importance of women's voices in shaping policy and legal frameworks. This initiative not only showcases the contributions of women in academia but also aligns with the broader goals of enhancing gender representation in various sectors. To learn more about these significant contributions, visit the publication of theses by Ukrainian female scholars.