Women taking over numerous positions in mass amid wartime manpower shortage

The State Employment Service in Ukraine reports a shifting trend where an increasing number of women are taking up positions traditionally dominated by men, particularly in sectors facing challenges in recruiting men due to military conscription.

The Employment Service highlights that the conscription of men into military service has led to difficulties in filling roles in professions that have historically seen more male employment, such as builders, electric gas welders, locksmiths, electricians and drivers. For example, in 2023, 1,200 women secured employment in the construction sector through the Employment Service, accounting for 38% of total hires in this field. This marks a notable rise from the 20% reported in 2021.

Similarly, in the mining industry, 1,200 women found employment in the past year, constituting 49% of all hires. In 2021, this figure stood at 27%. Throughout 2023, a total of 664,000 individuals utilized the services of the State Employment Service, with 483,000 having the status of registered unemployed. Notably, women comprised 72% of the registered unemployed, totaling 348,000 individuals.