A Gender-equality Lens on Rebuilding Ukraine

To achieve sustainable development and deliver real benefits for all Ukrainians, the reconstruction of Ukraine must follow the principles of “building back better” with a strong gender perspective.

Researchers from the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) and the Forum for Research on Gender Economics (FROGEE), together with gender economics experts, released the policy paper “Rebuilding Ukraine: The Gender Dimension of Reconstruction” on International Women’s Day 2023. The paper explains why gender-sensitive approaches are vital for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.

Why Gender Matters in Ukraine’s Reconstruction

Sustainable recovery involves more than rebuilding infrastructure. It also means rebuilding society. Therefore, policymakers need to include gender considerations at every stage of Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The authors argue that a gender perspective makes the recovery process more inclusive, efficient, and socially fair. They draw on research in gender budgeting, an approach first developed in public finance. This literature shows that focusing on gender helps governments allocate public resources more effectively and equitably.

The Gender Dimension in Budgetary Planning

For decades, governments have applied gender budgeting principles in national and local spending. They have also used them during post-conflict and post-disaster recovery efforts.

Before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine took major steps to include gender budgeting in public policy. These actions demonstrate the country’s commitment to equality in decision-making. As a result, Ukrainian institutions can now apply these principles as they plan reconstruction and recovery.

Key Insights from the Policy Paper

The policy paper “Rebuilding Ukraine: The Gender Dimension of Reconstruction” explores several main areas:

• Core principles of gender budgeting: A concise overview of research and real examples of successful national and local applications.
• Gender budgeting in crisis situations: Case studies showing how gender budgeting improves the allocation of funds during post-conflict and post-disaster recovery.
• Ukraine’s progress: Examples of gender budgeting initiatives introduced before the invasion, proving the country’s readiness to expand these efforts.
• Future directions: Practical steps for using gender budgeting in recovery and reconstruction plans, focusing on infrastructure, human capital, and governance.

Towards a Fair and Sustainable Recovery

Integrating the gender dimension of reconstruction will help Ukraine rebuild with equality, resilience, and long-term growth. By using gender-sensitive budgeting, Ukraine can create a recovery strategy that drives both economic progress and social inclusion.

This approach ensures that rebuilding efforts strengthen not only the economy but also the fabric of society—making Ukraine’s future more fair, balanced, and sustainable.

Contact for Interviews

For more info, please contact the following researchers:

Pamela Campa, Associate Professor at Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE).
Email: pamela.campa@hhs.se
Phone: +46 (8) 736 9686
Mobile: +46 72 449 80 24

Maria Perrotta Berlin, Assistant Professor at SITE.
Email: maria.perrotta@hhs.se
Phone: +46 (8) 736 9690

About FROGEE

In 2019 the FREE Network initiated the Forum for Research on Gender Economics (FROGEE). The aim of FROGEE is to contribute to the discussion on gender inequality, with a specific focus on the region of Central and Eastern Europe. By highlighting different dimensions of gender inequality and its consequences for socio-economic development, FROGEE aims at bringing the issue of gender equality to the focus of both the general public and policymakers. These objectives are addressed through the publication of reviews and policy briefs, the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops, as well as further development of research collaboration on gender economics with other institutions.