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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.
What More Besides Weapons Does Ukraine Need to Survive as a Nation?
As of today, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has persisted for a year. While several countries have helped Ukraine with military, financial and humanitarian aid, Ukraine requires additional assistance to endure the conflict with Russia. What other forms of support and aid are needed for Ukraine’s survival? And how can the EU and Sweden support Ukraine’s victory?
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) hosted a seminar in which Ukraine’s needs were discussed from an economic and political science perspective by several leading economists, including:
- Nataliia Shapoval, Director of the KSE Institute at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE)
- Torbjörn Becker, IVA member and Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics (SITE)
- Fredrik Löjdquist, Director of the Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS)
- Maria Perrotta Berlin, Assistant Professor at the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics.
Nataliia Shapoval, Chairman of the KSE Institute at the Kyiv School of Economics, joined the seminar from Kyiv to share her views. According to Shapoval,
“Tougher sanctions across the board, hefty sanctions on energy, additional sanctions on trade, and more control over financial transactions with Russia are required by the outside world right now.”
As Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has lasted for a year, seminar experts advocated for tougher sanctions against Russia and discussed Ukraine’s needs from an economic and political science perspective.
About IVA
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) is an independent academy with a mission “…to promote engineering and economic sciences and the advancement of business and industry for the benefit of society.” Read more: IVA website
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed during events and conferences are those of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect those of the FREE Network and its research institutes.
Leading Experts Advocate Tougher Sanctions Against Russia in the Wake of Year-long Aggression Against Ukraine
As of today, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has persisted for a year. While several countries have helped Ukraine with military, financial and humanitarian aid, Ukraine requires additional assistance to endure the conflict with Russia. What other forms of support and aid are needed for Ukraine’s survival? And how can the EU and Sweden support Ukraine’s victory?
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) hosted a seminar in which Ukraine’s needs were discussed from an economic and political science perspective by several leading economists, including:
- Nataliia Shapoval, Director of the KSE Institute at the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE)
- Torbjörn Becker, IVA member and Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics at the Stockholm School of Economics (SITE)
- Fredrik Löjdquist, Director of the Centre for Eastern European Studies (SCEEUS)
- Maria Perrotta Berlin, Assistant Professor at the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics.
Nataliia Shapoval, Chairman of the KSE Institute at the Kyiv School of Economics, joined the seminar from Kyiv to share her views. According to Shapoval,
“Tougher sanctions across the board, hefty sanctions on energy, additional sanctions on trade, and more control over financial transactions with Russia are required by the outside world right now.”
As Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has lasted for a year, seminar experts advocated for tougher sanctions against Russia and discussed Ukraine’s needs from an economic and political science perspective.
Seminar Video
About IVA
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) is an independent academy with a mission “…to promote engineering and economic sciences and the advancement of business and industry for the benefit of society.” Read more: IVA website
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed during events and conferences are those of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect those of the FREE Network and its research institutes.
Torbjörn Becker Elected as One of the New Members of the IVA’s Economics Division
Torbjörn Becker, Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), was elected as one of the new Fellow members of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences together with 38 other prominent researchers and experts in the private and public sectors.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) has been a meeting place for Sweden’s future for more than 100 years. Serving as a unique intersection for academia, business, and policy-making, IVA brings together the expertise and experience of about 1.300 Academy Fellows and 250 member companies. IVA is financed through grants from the business community, foundation funds and direct government funding and is independent of individual interests, ideologies and party politics.
About Torbjörn Becker
Torbjörn Becker has been the Director of SITE at the Stockholm School of Economics in Sweden since 2006 and is a board member of several economics research institutes in Eastern Europe, including the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE).
Prior to this, he worked for nine years at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where his work focused on international macro, economic crises and issues related to the international financial system. He holds a Ph.D. from the Stockholm School of Economics and has been published in top academic journals and has contributed to several books and policy reports focusing on Russia and Eastern Europe.
Selected Publications by Torbjörn Becker
- Financing Ukraine’s victory: Why and how (2022)
- A blueprint for the reconstruction of Ukraine (2022)
- IMF’s New SDR Allocation—Why Belarus Is “Getting Money From the Fund” (2021)
- Does the Russian Stock Market Care About Navalny (2021)
- Economic Growth and Putin’s Approval Ratings —The Return of the Fridge (2019)
- The Russian economy under Putin (so far) (2019)
How Should the Reconstruction of Ukraine Be Financed and Organized?
Did you miss the chance to attend the book launch event “Rebuilding Ukraine: Principles and Policies” presented by Torbjörn Becker, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Veronika Movchan on 11 January? Watch the recordings to learn more about their framework for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction co-written together with leading scholars and experts.
On Wednesday, 11 January, 2023, Torbjörn Becker, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Veronika Movchan presented their framework for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction from their book “Rebuilding Ukraine: Principles and policies” at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE). This event was co-organized together with the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR).
About the Book
This book offers a comprehensive analysis of what Ukraine should become after the war and what tools policymakers can use to fulfill these goals. It provides perspectives from leading scholars and practitioners: each chapter of the book covers a specific sector, but there is a natural overlap across the chapters because Ukraine’s reconstruction should be a comprehensive transformation of the country. With such a complex task, it is important to have a clear vision of the goals. The leitmotif of this book is clear: reconstruction is not about rebuilding Ukraine to the pre-war state, it is about a deep modernization of the country. All critical elements of the economy and society will have to leapfrog and undergo reforms to help Ukraine escape the post-Soviet legacy and become a full-fledged democracy with a modern economy, strong institutions, and a powerful defence sector.
The book repeatedly emphasizes that allies’ aid will be absolutely essential but, to make the reconstruction a true success story, Ukraine’s future should be decided by the Ukrainian people: Ukrainians should own this process. The State is no longer some hostile and alien construct which is there to repress them: people are starting to realize that they need to own it, i.e., protect their rights and fulfill their responsibilities as citizens. Building on the wave of patriotism, establishing mechanisms for genuine citizen participation will help prolong national unity and volunteer enthusiasm of Ukrainians beyond the war, but more importantly, it will ensure the democratic development of the country.
List of Participants
- Beatrice Weder di Mauro (President at Centre for Economic Policy Research, Professor of International Economics at Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies)
- Torbjörn Becker (Director of the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics, SITE)
- Veronika Movchan (Research Director at Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting)
- Moderator: Anders Olofsgård (Deputy director of SITE)
Event Photos
Photo of Anders Olofsgård as he welcomes participants and guests to the event.
Photo of Beatrice Weder di Mauro as she introduces the overall concept and idea of the book.
Photo of Beatrice Weder di Mauro.
Photo of Torbjörn Becker as he presented the book chapter “Anti-corruption policies in the reconstruction of Ukraine”.
Photo of the audience together with Torbjörn Becker.
From right: Veronika Movchan as she presented the book chapter “International trade and foreign direct investment”.
From left: Torbjörn Becker, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Anders Olofsgård during the Q&A session.
On screen: Veronika Movchan. At SSE, from left: Torbjörn Becker, Beatrice Weder di Mauro and Anders Olofsgård during the Q&A session.
Friends of KSE Delivering Supplies to Ukraine and the Kyiv School of Economics
On 18 December 2022, two mini-vans filled with generators, sleeping bags, powerbanks, outdoor equipment etc, funded by donations to Friends of KSE, left Stockholm on its journey to students and academics at Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) in Ukraine. On December 20, all things were safely delivered in Ukraine.
About the Friends of KSE Initiative
Torbjörn Becker together with associates started the Friends of KSE initiative on 19 April 2022 to support students and academics in Ukraine with special focus on friends and colleagues at KSE under the fantastic leadership of people like Tymofiy Mylovanov (President of KSE) and Nataliia Shapoval (Head of KSE Institute and Vice President of Policy Research at KSE).
The Friends of KSE initiative got off to a great start with a 500k € donation from the Tetra Laval Group that recently sent 10M € worth of generators to Ukraine. Since then, other companies and individuals have added more than 100k € to support students and academics in Ukraine through the Friends of KSE initiative.
“The simple message of this story, together we can do some useful things for our friends and heroes in Ukraine at a very marginal cost to ourselves and if you plan it well and bring good friends and family for your trip it can be a great journey that you will remember and something to talk about over the holidays.”, says Torbjörn Becker, Director of SITE and co-founding member of the Friends of KSE initiative.
The Journey to Ukraine
Thanks to your donations via the Friends of KSE, you made it possible to buy two vans, generators, power banks, sleeping bags, etc. Outdoor products were donated by Primus Equipment! Even a bag full Christmas candies for the younger students.
With a van full of important necessities to keep our Ukrainian friends and colleagues warm, it was time to make the delivery. Torbjörn and his companions drove all the way from Sweden to the border between Poland and Ukraine.
From left: Raoul Grünthal and Torbjörn Becker enjoying a coffee as the journey begins.
After clearing customs, thanks to the help the Friends of KSE team received from the Ukrainian embassy in Sweden and colleagues at KSE with preparing the needed documents and proof of donations, they drove to the first open gas station in Ukraine. The gas station had their own generator and could keep lights, heat, (and coffee machines) going despite the blackouts around the gas station, again, emphasizing the importance of sending generators to Ukraine.
Lights and hot drinks as they waited for Tymofiy Mylovanov and his companions to arrive from Kyiv.
While Torbjörn and his brother Magnus and brother-in-law Svante were waiting at the gas station, our friends from KSE were driving all the way from Kyiv the same day to meet up Torbjörn at the gas station.
Plenty of smiles despite their long trip, Tymofiy Mylovanov and his companions are the true heroes!
Once Torbjörn delivered the cars with the rest of the supplies, the journey back home was less dramatic and less hectic. Michal Myck (Director of the Centre for Economic Analysis, CenEA), our Polish colleague and friend, had arranged a ride back to Krakow from the border.
On the way back to Krakow from the border, they passed Rzeszow and the airport from where President Zelensky had left for the US earlier the same day!
Many Thanks for Your Support
Thanks to your support, the Friends of KSE initiative have been able to help a number of students and researchers in need for a safe shelter to continue their academic journey during difficult times. Your concern for our friends and colleagues in Ukraine, and the freedom of academics, is above and beyond.
Want to Make a Donation?
If you want to be part of our small effort to help students and academics in Ukraine and support the future of Ukraine, please visit Friends of KSE (friendsofkse.org) to make a donation.
Why Did Putin Invade Ukraine? A Theory of Degenerate Autocracy
On December 14, 2022, the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) invited Professor Konstantin Sonin, University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, for a seminar discussion about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, non-democratic regimes and degenerate autocracy.
Research
Many, if not most, personalistic dictatorships end up with a disastrous, suicidal decision such as Hitler’s attack on the Soviet Union, Hirohito’s government launching a war against the United States, or Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Even if the disastrous decision is not ultimately fatal for the regime such as Mao’s Big Leap Forward or the Pol Pot’s collectivization drive, they typically involve monumental miscalculation and lack of competence. We offer a theory of non-democratic regimes, in which the need for regime security dictates, in difficult circumstances, the replacement of technocrats by incompetent loyalists, leading, in turn, to disastrous decisions.
Video Recording
In case you missed the event, watch the recordings to learn more about the research paper.
Political Repressions in Russia and Crimes Against Humanity Committed in the Soviet Union
Alexandra Polivanova on political repressions in Russia and the work of Memorial, Russian civil society organization and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
On November 29, the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) invited Alexandra Polivanova from the Russian civil rights organization Memorial for a seminar discussion about how the civil society organization Memorial works to shed light on political repressions in Russia and crimes against humanity committed in the Soviet Union.
Her presentation was introduced by Michael Sohlman, former Executive Director of the Nobel foundation, and the seminar was chaired by Jesper Roine, Deputy Director at SITE and Adjunct Professor at Stockholm School of Economics (SSE).
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in events, policy briefs, working papers and other publications are those of the authors and/or speakers; they do not necessarily reflect those of SITE, the FREE Network and its research institutes.
Alexandra Polivanova on Political Repressions in Russia and the Work of Memorial
On November 29, the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE) invited Alexandra Polivanova from the Russian civil rights organization Memorial for a seminar discussion about how the civil society organization Memorial works to shed light on political repressions in Russia and crimes against humanity committed in the Soviet Union.
Her presentation was introduced by Michael Sohlman, former Executive Director of the Nobel Foundation, and the seminar was chaired by Jesper Roine, Deputy Director at SITE and Adjunct Professor at Stockholm School of Economics (SSE).
Video Recording
To revisit the video, please watch the event recording on YouTube.
A Strategy to Help Ukraine Win the War and Become a Successful Member of the EU
On Monday, November 7, 2022, the Friends of KSE initiative, together with the Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE), organized an important policy event focused on Ukraine’s EU Integration Strategy, exploring how the international community can best support Ukraine’s reconstruction and European future during and after the war.
Key Speakers: Experts on Ukraine’s Path to the EU
The event featured special guests from the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE):
- Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of KSE, and
- Nataliia Shapoval, Vice President for Policy Research at the KSE Institute.
They discussed the current situation in Ukraine, what is required for Ukraine to win the war, and the crucial steps toward becoming a successful EU member state.
Their insights emphasized how Ukraine’s EU integration must go hand in hand with reforms in governance, energy, and education — building the foundation for a resilient post-war economy aligned with European Union standards.
Event Highlights
Photo of Nataliia Shapoval during her presentation.
Photo of Tymofiy Mylovanov during his presentation as he shares his insights and personal experiences of living in a warzone.
From left: Maria Perrotta Berlin and Andreas Umland. Andreas shares his thoughts on how important it is to support Ukraine.
From left: Maria Perrotta Berlin and Torbjörn Becker. Torbjörn talks about sanctions and their importance on Russian energy.
Group photo: (from left) Torbjörn Becker, Andre as Umland, Tymofiy Mylovanov and Nataliia Shapoval.
Organizers are thankful to all the participants who joined online and in person for this event. Special thanks to Tymofiy Mylovanov, Nataliia Shapoval, Andreas Umland and Torbjörn Becker for sharing their insights and Maria Perrotta Berlin for her event moderation.
Video Recording
To revisit the video, please watch the event recording on YouTube.
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in policy briefs and other publications are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect those of the FREE Network and its research institutes.