Women's March held in Kyiv city centre – photos
A Women's March took place in central Kyiv on 8 March to call for equality for women serving in the armed forces, the release of women from Russian captivity, and the withdrawal of several draft laws linked to the new Civil Code which activists say would restrict women's rights and undermine gender equality.
Source: Kyiv City State Administration; Women's March, a Ukrainian non-governmental organisation
Details: Kyiv City State Administration reported that women and men gathered to draw attention to the issues of security, equality, dignity and the protection of women's rights in wartime. The focus was on support for women serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, women – both military and civilian – who are or have been held captive by Russia, and women affected by war-related sexual violence, and the protection of women's rights against discriminatory or regressive legislative initiatives.
More details: Law enforcement officers, medics and representatives of municipal services were in attendance to coordinate security and manage traffic along the route.
Kyiv City State Administration said early reports from the organisers indicate that over 3,000 people joined the march, including representatives of the 1325. Kyiv coalition and the Kyiv Academy of Women's Leadership.
More details: The Women's March reported that more than 2,500 people attended the event.
Quote: "We have taken to the streets to declare loudly:
- Women in the army have the right to equality and respect. No discrimination, no sexual harassment, no hushing up problems.
- Women in captivity must return home. The state and the international community must do everything possible to free every Ukrainian woman and provide comprehensive support to each of them after their return.
- Women's rights cannot be restricted and rewritten quietly, without public discussion. We demand the withdrawal of all clone bills of the new Civil Code!"
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