On 4 March, ahead of International Women’s Day, the European Parliament Partnership Team organized a panel discussion on “Women as Agents of Change in Conflict Resolution.” The event gathered key voices advocating for women’s essential role in peacebuilding, featuring MEP Lina Gálvez, UN Women, Action Aid, European Movement International, and Promote Ukraine.

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Among the distinguished speakers was Yana Brovdiy, representing Promote Ukraine, an organization that has been at the forefront of advocating for Ukraine’s European path and supporting its people during the ongoing war. Her intervention underscored three crucial points:

1. Women’s critical role in Ukraine’s resistance and recovery
   Ukrainian women have been instrumental in the country’s fight for sovereignty. From serving in the armed forces to leading humanitarian efforts, women have been frontline responders in the war. Organizations such as the Invisible Battalion and the Women Veterans Movement have pushed for better rights and recognition for female soldiers. The Ukrainian Women Lawyers Association “JurFem” has also been providing legal aid to survivors of war-related sexual violence, ensuring justice and accountability.
2. The necessity for full accountability for Russian war crimes
   The war in Ukraine has been marked by grave human rights violations, particularly against women. Yana Brovdiy recalled the harrowing atrocities in Bucha, where civilians, including women, suffered brutal crimes at the hands of
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   Copyright: © European Union 2025 – Source : EP

   Russian forces. Reports from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine document widespread sexual and gender-based violence, reinforcing the need for international justice mechanisms to prosecute these war crimes.

4. The urgency of women’s involvement in peace negotiations
   History has shown that peace agreements are more inclusive and sustainable when women are involved. However, despite their crucial contributions, women’s voices are often sidelined in diplomatic processes. Yana Brovdiy called for a strong female EU representative in future negotiations, ensuring gender perspectives are embedded in discussions about Ukraine’s future.

EUROMIL’s Commitment to Women in Defence and Conflict Resolution

EUROMIL firmly supports the full inclusion of women in peace and security efforts and recognizes their indispensable role in armed forces and post-conflict recovery. As a longstanding partner of UUMS and other Ukrainian defence associations, EUROMIL remains committed to advocating for Ukraine and its people.

We also deeply appreciated Yana Brovdiy’s closing statement, in which she reminded us that without people who “stop armed men,” all other initiatives become impossible. We fully agree. EUROMIL does not seek to promote armed conflicts, but unfortunately, history has shown that sometimes defending democracy requires military force. Only by ensuring security can we create the conditions for diplomacy and peaceful solutions.

Emmanuel Jacob, President of EUROMIL, stated that “We do not live in a perfect world, but we stand firm in our commitment to working towards one where democracy, human rights, and justice prevail. This International Women’s Day, we stand in solidarity with the courageous women of Ukraine and across the world who work tirelessly for peace, justice, and democracy.”