PORTRAIT OF DIANA KOPANYTSIA
In 2014, as Ukraine faced the aftermath of the Revolution of Dignity and the Russian invasion, Diana Kopanitsa asked herself a profound question about the future of her country and her role as a citizen. Driven by a deep conviction to protect her daughter’s future, she enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Her journey started as an ordinary soldier. Over the span of ten years, she rose through the ranks to become a Major and now serves as the Head of the Department of Humanitarian Support at the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. In her role, Diana oversees policies that advance gender equality within the military.
Despite the growing number of women in the Armed Forces, before the full-scale invasion, military provisioning of uniforms and equipment was predominantly designed for men. Female military personnel were often forced to wear male uniforms, which failed to meet their physiological and anthropometric needs. To solve this problem, one of the department’s priorities became the provision for servicewomen.
In December 2023, servicewomen received 50,000 sets of summer field uniforms for the first time. The provision of demi-season uniforms and winter uniforms is ongoing. Also, the Ministry of Defence certified two types of body amour specifically designed for female military personnel. These advancements mark significant steps toward improving comfort, functionality, and safety for servicewomen. It represents more than just equipment—they symbolize recognition and respect for servicewomen. As Diana states, “Gender equality is to ensure a fair distribution of resources and the creation of equal opportunities for individuals, taking into account their gender-specific needs”.
Today, Diana’s focus extends beyond Ukraine’s borders. She actively works to implement NATO standards on gender equality within Ukraine’s Armed Forces, recognizing their importance in achieving interoperability with NATO allies. Her efforts not only pave the way for a more inclusive military environment but also set a powerful example of leadership and resilience, driving transformative change for gender equality even amidst the challenges of war.