EU and UN Women launch ‘Gender Equality Facility’ in Ukraine

Today, the European Union and UN Women Ukraine signed a project agreement to establish the Gender Equality Facility (GEF), to drive Ukraine’s gender responsive and inclusive recovery and European integration.  

The ceremony took place in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka and EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová. 

The GEF is a technical assistance initiative. It is designed to accelerate gender-responsive reforms as Ukraine advances on its path to EU membership. The EU-backed project will provide the Ukrainian government with the necessary expertise and tools to mainstream gender equality across all sectors of public policy, recovery planning, and legislative development.

“As we build a systemic and technical process for European integration, gender equality remains a cross-cutting priority,” said Taras Kachka. “The GEF project is essential for ensuring that Ukraine’s recovery is not only rapid but inclusive, reflecting the needs of all citizens and meeting the high standards of the European Union.”

“Even in times of war, Ukraine is advancing gender equality – a core value of the EU and a fundamental element of the EU accession process,” Katarína Mathernová said.

The project will also support the faster achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ukraine.

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Press release