“She is Fighting”: the Heroes of Ukraine

While the heroism and sacrifice of Ukrainian defenders are well known and honored across the country and the world, the unique stories and bravery of women in the military risk being underrepresented. Currently, over 60,000 women are serving and working in the Armed Forces in Ukraine - making up a total of 22.5% of the military. This percentage of women in military service is one of the highest worldwide. These women, who have defied convention and broken down stereotypes in the armed forces, are the focus of the landmark book "She is Fighting," a collaboration between Ukrainian authors and illustrators. The book, in order to raise awareness about the contributions of women to Ukraine's armed forces, is supported by NDI in cooperation with partner publishing house "Vydavnytstvo."

"She is Fighting" is the third in a series of books highlighting Ukrainian women's contribution to Ukrainian society. Too often, women's achievements have been overlooked in traditionally "masculine" fields, and most wartime narratives show men as decision-makers, leaders, and protectors, while women are protected - inspirational, maybe, but rarely active contributors. Students who read this book will see women soldiers, fundraisers, radio operators, medics, journalists, human rights defenders and more - women who serve alongside men to defend their right to have a voice in Ukraine's future.

Dedicated to the brave women who defend Ukraine in the full-scale war perpetrated by Russia, the book contains the stories of 25 real-life heroines who stood up to defend their homes, their families, and their loved ones. "She is Fighting" is the joint work of 50 authors and illustrators telling the stories of female defenders fighting each day, in their own unique ways, for the victory of Ukraine, overcoming prejudices and obstacles and serving as examples for women striving to break barriers.

To bring these stories and spirit to a wider audience, NDI, "Vydavnytstvo" and the Library Country Charitable Foundation distributed the "She is Fighting" to 900 libraries across Ukraine between March and April 2024.

NDI distributed 900 copies of the book to public and school libraries in rural areas to address the inequality in literary resources between urban and rural communities, where resource constraints often impede access to books. After receiving "She is Fighting", libraries hosted book clubs, panel discussions and awareness campaigns, amplifying the voices of women whose stories had long been invisible. At a time when the ongoing full-scale war threatens to weaken Ukraine's gains in gender equality, the book plays a critical role in increasing the visibility of womens' contributions to both Ukraine's fight for its democratic future, and the need to include women's voices in the country's post-war recovery.

Overall, NDI has received numerous responses and expressions of gratitude from partner libraries. The public library of the Piskivska territorial community wrote on its Facebook page: "Girls can do anything! From the very first days of the full-scale Russian invasion, our women stood shoulder to shoulder with men to defend their homeland. They voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to repel the Russian invasion. Honor and respect! The contribution of the best daughters of Ukraine in the fight for our freedom and independence is invaluable. The sacrifice and strength of the Ukrainian woman amazes and inspires the whole world. And it makes no difference whether she is holding a weapon, a turnstile or flying a drone."

The administration and teaching staff of Vynogradiv Secondary School, #3 in Zakarpattia region, expressed sincere gratitude to NDI for the book: "This new, colorful edition will become an important part of the school library's book collection, helping students to better understand how Ukrainian defenders are doing everything possible for victory, to learn how modern girls are breaking stereotypes and paving the way for the next generation of women." They noted the publication will teach children to be more sensitive, kind, and brave.

The book has become very popular among children and teenagers. The younger generation was excited to read and take an interest in the stories of the heroines. One of the libraries wrote: "Library users can now learn about the incredible deeds of our heroines. We are pleased that on the first day of its arrival at the library, this book has already found interested readers. After all, in today's world, knowing your heroines is a necessity and a guarantee of moving forward."

The book continues to reach the hands and hearts of readers across Ukraine. It is an important reminder that every day, both men and women are fighting for a democratic and inclusive future for Ukraine.

Author: Oleksandra Kozlovska, Intern for the NDI/Ukraine Women Lead Program

"She is Fighting" was published in cooperation between Vydavnytstvo Publishing House and Women's Veteran Movement CSO with support from NDI and Sweden.

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NDI is a non-profit, non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works in partnership around the world to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values to secure a better quality of life for all. NDI envisions a world where democracy and freedom prevail, with dignity for all.

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