As Ukraine continues to defend its independence and rebuild amid the challenges of war, the country is also making significant progress toward ensuring equal pay for men and women. On October 22, a strategic session held in Kyiv, co-organized by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture and the International Labour Organization (ILO), marked an important step in advancing the National Strategy to Close the Gender Pay Gap (2023–2030). The event brought together government officials, social partners, and international experts to develop the next Action Plan for implementing the strategy and turning national commitments into practical reforms that improve the lives of workers.
Closing the gender pay gap has become a national priority for Ukraine, viewed not only as a matter of compliance with international standards but also as a measure of fairness, opportunity, and resilience. Before the full-scale invasion, women in Ukraine earned on average 18.6% less than men. Despite wartime difficulties, Ukraine aims to reduce this gap by at least five percentage points by 2030. Oleh Hnatiuk, Director of the State Labour Department at the Ministry of Economy, emphasized that equal pay is a hallmark of a mature society and noted that new legislative reforms, including a modernized Labour Code, will incorporate the 2023 EU Pay Transparency Directive and international labour standards to strengthen women’s rights.
The ILO continues to play a key role in supporting Ukraine’s progress toward pay equality by helping to strengthen national institutions, legislation, and policies. Emmanuel Julien, ILO Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia, highlighted that achieving equal pay is vital for inclusive economic recovery, especially in wartime, as it supports family incomes, helps retain skilled women in the workforce, and fosters social trust necessary for rebuilding a resilient economy.
During the session, participants focused on translating the National Strategy into an actionable plan that aligns with EU standards on equal treatment and transparency while meeting Ukraine’s international commitments, such as those under the Canada–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. Representatives from various ministries, trade unions, employers’ associations, UN Women, and the ILO reviewed the progress made so far and identified key priorities for 2026–2027.
Aida Lindmeier, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ukraine, underlined that gender equality requires more than opening opportunities — it demands supportive work environments and decent working conditions to help women succeed in traditionally male-dominated professions. Similarly, Emiliia Nitsevych from the Office of the Government Commissioner for Gender Equality Policy linked Ukraine’s gender pay efforts to its global commitments under the Biarritz Partnership for Gender Equality, emphasizing the need for practical, evidence-based actions to close the gap.
Throughout the day, participants discussed ways to improve pay transparency, develop gender-neutral job evaluation systems, enhance data collection, and link pay equity efforts with improvements in care infrastructure. The ILO and UN Women will continue providing technical and strategic support in these areas.
The session concluded with participants identifying key challenges and proposing actionable solutions for the new plan. The ILO will consolidate the findings and recommendations into a unified document for the Ministry of Economy, which will lead the finalization and implementation of the Action Plan. Despite the ongoing war, Ukraine’s commitment to equality and fair pay remains unwavering. Through these efforts, the country is not only advancing gender equality but also laying the foundation for a fairer, stronger, and more integrated society on its path toward recovery and European integration.
