Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa held a meeting with NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security Irene Fellin.
The discussion focused on priorities in gender equality, the implementation status of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and prospects for deepening Ukraine-NATO cooperation within the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda.
The parties paid particular attention to the contribution of Ukrainian women to the defense of the state in the face of Russia’s ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine, as well as women's participation in decision-making processes, post-war reconstruction, economic development, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Special attention was devoted to the issue of sexual violence related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with a positive note on Ukraine's efforts to ensure the protection of survivors. The Deputy Minister stressed that Russia's deliberate use of sexual violence as a weapon of war requires a decisive response from the international community and the accountability of the aggressor state and its war criminals.
Mariana Betsa also highlighted the results of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine's work in the field of gender equality: joining the HeForShe global solidarity movement, conducting two gender audits, creating specialized institutional platforms within the Ministry, launching mentoring programs for women and men, and implementing training programs on inclusion and gender equality for diplomats.
The Ukrainian side expressed interest in further practical cooperation with NATO in implementing gender policy and readiness to share the complex experience gained during Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustified full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.
For her part, Irene Fellin noted the Alliance's unity in supporting Ukraine and emphasized that advancing the "Women, Peace and Security" agenda is an integral part of NATO's cooperation with Ukraine on its path toward membership in the Alliance.
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