Column: why women still struggle to break through in Ukraine's defense sector
The reappointment of Anna Hvozdiar as Ukraine's deputy defense minister triggered a wave of sexist and ageist comments, reflecting a broader pattern affecting women in security roles, including in the US and Australia.
A Facebook post from Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announcing Anna Hvozdiar's reappointment as deputy minister drew more than 800 comments — unusually high activity for the ministry's page. Hvozdiar, 36, has been in government since September 2023, first as deputy minister for strategic industries, then at the Defense Ministry until January 2026. In September 2026 she returned to the deputy minister post, now responsible for the defense industrial complex and exports. The column's author notes that many commenters focus on Hvozdiar's gender and age rather than her professional qualifications, overlooking that the deputy minister position is civilian and does not require military experience.
Other women facing similar treatment
The article cites Kateryna Chornohorenko, who served as deputy defense minister for digital development from 2023 to 2025, contributing to the launch of the "Reserve+" and "Army+" apps and coordinating the international drone and IT coalitions within the Ramstein format — she too faced sexism and ageism. Human rights advocate Olha Reshetilova is also mentioned; appointed Ukraine's first military ombudsperson by Volodymyr Zelensky in October 2025, she faced criticism that civilians cannot understand military needs.
An international pattern
The author points to similar dynamics abroad: Megan Quinn, who became the first woman to head Australia's Department of Defence in April 2026, was criticized for lacking a traditional defense background. In the United States, amid a campaign against so-called "DEI" policies, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead US Navy operations, was dismissed in 2025.
Statistics in Ukraine
According to 2025 data, women make up 65% of civilian staff at Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation but only 10% of certified operational personnel. Separate 2020 State Statistics Service figures show women held 30–50% of civilian positions in security agencies, but only 4–23% of leadership roles.
