On May 29, 2026, a meeting of the regional coordination council on family policy, gender equality, prevention and counteraction to domestic violence and counteraction to human trafficking was held.
The event was held in a mixed format - offline in the city of Dnipro and with the possibility of online connection. Representatives of structural units of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, public and international organizations, entities of interaction in the areas of family policy, ensuring gender equality, preventing and countering violence, countering human trafficking and supporting vulnerable groups of the population participated.
During the meeting, a number of topical issues related to the development of gender-sensitive approaches in the activities of government bodies, strengthening intersectoral cooperation and ensuring access of victims to the necessary assistance were considered.
One of the key issues on the agenda was the discussion of draft recommendations on the application of the principles of gender-sensitive communication in the activities of the Donetsk Regional State Administration. The document is aimed at forming correct, inclusive and non-discriminatory communication during the preparation of official, informational, analytical and public materials of government bodies. The draft recommendations were presented by the head of the Department of Family, Youth and Mass Events of National and Patriotic Education of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, Liliya Zolkina. Summing up the discussion of this issue, she noted: “It is important for us that gender-sensitive communication is not a formal requirement, but a practical tool for the daily work of government bodies. This is a language that correctly reflects the role of women and men in the life of the region, does not reproduce stereotypes, takes into account the experience of different population groups and helps to form a more open, respectful and non-discriminatory interaction with the public.”
Special attention was paid to the presentation of the Almanac “Unbreakable Donetsk Region 2023–2024”, prepared by the Donetsk Regional State Administration together with the Slavic Heart Charitable Foundation with technical support from UN Women in Ukraine and funding from the Governments of Sweden and Denmark. The Almanac contains stories and materials that highlight the experience, resilience and contribution of women of the Donetsk region in conditions of war, forced displacement, humanitarian challenges and work to support communities.
The participants of the meeting were also presented with the work of the barrier-free Gynecological Office for a key group of women and women experiencing violence. The discussion emphasized the importance of access to medical, psychological and social services for women who are in a vulnerable position or have experienced violence.
The provision of free legal aid to victims of human trafficking was considered as a separate issue. Participants discussed the importance of timely informing affected persons about their rights, available protection mechanisms and opportunities for obtaining legal aid.
In addition, a study “Factors of Vulnerability and Resilience of IDP Women” was presented, which analyzed the conditions of women who were forced to leave their homes due to war. The discussion of this issue allowed us to focus on the needs of internally displaced women, their adaptation experiences, risks of social vulnerability and resources of resilience that can be taken into account when designing support measures.