Ukrainian millennial women are increasingly the backbone of the nation, shouldering immense responsibilities from fundraising and military service to running civil society organizations and advocating abroad, all while navigating profound personal choices and immense stress amidst the ongoing war.
The article highlights the critical and growing role of Ukrainian millennial women, aged roughly 29-40, in sustaining the country behind military lines. These women, born into an independent Ukraine and shaped by economic turbulence and revolution, are now shouldering immense burdens. Their diverse contributions include fundraising for the army (e.g., Mariia Shuvalova raising over $40,000 for bulletproof vests), serving in the military (e.g., Maria Nazarova as a combat medic, Anna Demydenko), running civil society organizations (e.g., Olena Skyrta's science promotion, Sasha Dovzhyk's war documentation NGO), and advocating for Ukraine internationally (e.g., Iryna Gorlach). Unlike their male counterparts, who are largely forbidden from leaving the country and are eligible for conscription, these women possess choices—to join the army or not, to stay in Ukraine or leave. This freedom, however, comes with agonizing guilt and profound personal dilemmas, especially concerning having children amidst an ongoing war and a looming demographic crisis. Many face constant exhaustion, stress, and grief, often organizing funerals for peers and confronting the reality of high combat casualties, with the average age of death for Ukrainian combatants estimated at 38.6 years. The women's resilience and strong work ethic are attributed to their childhoods during the economic collapse of the 1990s, which prepared them for crisis management and risk-taking. Despite the heavy burden, they are described as 'blooming,' taking on roles traditionally held by men, and becoming the voices of Ukraine on the international stage due to their education and English proficiency. However, this purpose-driven lifestyle also leads to increased stress and burnout, making mental and emotional health a significant challenge. Despite the hardships, a strong sense of justice, dignity, and commitment to their country prevails, leading many to choose to face the 'non-ideal life' in Ukraine rather than seeking an easier one abroad, as exemplified by Maria Nazarova who chose to raise her baby in Kyiv despite the risks.
