On the eve of Ukrainian Volunteer Day, the Donetsk Regional Museum of Local History hosted a themed meeting titled “Women in the Military.” The event was attended by students from educational institutions in the Donetsk region and pupils from the Donetsk Regional Junior Academy of Sciences for Schoolchildren. The guests of the meeting were women whose professional careers exemplify dedication to their chosen calling: Yana Sushko, a medic with the 81st Separate Airborne Brigade; Karina Podlesna, head of the communications department of the 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade; and Natalia Guchenko, an officer in the psychological support unit of the 43rd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
The speakers shared their personal stories of choosing a military path and revealed various aspects of service: from saving lives on the front lines and supporting the psychological resilience of soldiers to building strategic communications within the military. Each story was deeply moving, as it touched on the hardships of military life, separation from loved ones, and the future plans of our female defenders. The audience was also struck by these brave women’s incredible love for Ukraine and their unwavering faith in our Victory. It is therefore no surprise that during the Q&A session, the young people actively expressed their admiration for what they had heard; the story of the female soldiers’ call signs sparked particular interest, and some children shared their own stories related to the war.
This event will help the younger generation realize that the courage of Ukrainian women in confronting the enemy holds great power, and through real-life examples, understand that responsibility for the country’s fate is a conscious choice for everyone, regardless of gender or profession.
The organizers thank the speakers for defending the country and for the insightful discussion on the role of women in the military.