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EU and UN Women Launch "Gender Equality Facility" to Drive Ukraine’s Gender Responsive and Inclusive Recovery and European Integration

04.02.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to UKRAINE

Today, the European Union (EU) and UN Women Ukraine have signed a project agreement to establish the Gender Equality Facility (GEF), marking an important step in supporting Ukraine’s recovery in line with European and United Nations values and standards.  The ceremony took place in the presence of  Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, the Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová, UN Women Deputy Executive Director, Kirsi Madi, UN Ukraine Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Matthias Schmale, and UN Women’s Representative in Ukraine, Sabine Freizer Gunes. 

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

Key Objectives of the GEF Project:

  • EU Alignment: Strengthening the capacity of national institutions to align with the EU Gender Equality acquis.

  • Technical Support: Providing gender mainstreaming tools at both central and local government levels to ensure inclusive decision-making.

  • Evidence-Based Policy: Enhancing the use of gender-disaggregated data to inform national recovery strategies and reporting.

  • Institutional Strengthening: Supporting the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy and executive authorities in implementing the 2022–2030 State Strategy for Equal Rights.

“As Ukraine builds a systemic and technically sound process of European integration, gender equality and the consideration of the needs of different population groups must remain cross-cutting elements,” said Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka. “This project is critically important to ensure that Ukraine’s recovery is not only fast, but also inclusive and aligned with European Union standards. We are grateful to our partners for their support.”

“The Gender Equality Facility reflects the unique value that UN Women brings to Ukraine’s development and EU accession path. Gender equality is not an add-on to EU integration — it is a core requirement. Through the Facility, UN Women provides specialized expertise that connects EU standards with national reform processes, ensuring that gender equality is embedded across policies, institutions, and implementation, also in alignment with international agreements on gender equality. We are proud to be part of this crucial work together with our partners in Ukrainian government and the European Union, especially in these critical times as Ukraine develops its third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2026–2030 in the midst of ongoing war.” said Kirsi Madi, UN Women Deputy Executive Director.

"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. Through the Gender Equality Facility, the EU is supporting Ukraine in aligning with the EU acquis and embedding gender equality across recovery and reconstruction, bringing Ukraine closer to the EU in law, in practice and in values,” Ambassador of the EU to Ukraine Katarína Mathernová said.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, emphasized that the project will support the faster achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ukraine.

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