On March 8, a Women’s March took place in the center of Kyiv, where participants called for equality for women in the military, the return of women from captivity, and the withdrawal of clone bills related to the new Civil Code.
According to the Kyiv City State Administration (KCSA), the event aimed to raise awareness on issues of safety, equality, dignity, and the protection of women’s rights in the context of ongoing conflict. Key topics included support for women serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, those who have been or are currently held captive, and victims of sexual violence related to the war. The march also sought to protect women’s rights from discriminatory and regressive legislative initiatives.
The event was conducted with the presence of law enforcement, medical personnel, and city services to ensure safety and coordinate movement along the route. Preliminary estimates from the organizers indicated that over 3,000 individuals participated, including representatives from the coalition “1325. Kyiv” and the Kyiv Academy of Women’s Leadership.
In contrast, the Women’s March reported participation figures of over 2,500 individuals. In a statement, the organizers declared:
“We took to the streets to assert loudly that:
- Women in the military have the right to equality and respect. There should be no discrimination, no sexual harassment, and no silencing of issues.
- Women in captivity must return home. The state and the international community must do everything possible to free every Ukrainian woman and provide comprehensive support upon her return.
- Women’s rights cannot be restricted or rewritten quietly, without public discussions. We demand the withdrawal of all clone bills related to the new Civil Code!”
The Women’s March in Kyiv highlighted demands for equality in the military and the return of women from captivity while opposing regressive legislative initiatives. Over 3,000 participants gathered to advocate for women's rights amidst ongoing conflict.