# Ukrainian women's roles in wartime and reconstruction

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainian-womens-roles-in-wartime-and-reconstruction
> Updated: 2026-08-18T06:23:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Ukrainian women are increasingly occupying critical roles across political, military, medical, and economic sectors as the country manages the ongoing Russian invasion.

Initial reports highlighted individual entrepreneurial and humanitarian efforts, such as Liliya Chertenko’s initiative to manufacture orthopedic shoes for soldiers with limb amputations and Alina Maksymenko’s continued operation of a cosmetics brand. 

As the situation evolves, these contributions have expanded into broader strategic areas. This includes political advocacy by Member of Parliament Anna Purtowa regarding veterans and prisoners of war, tactical medicine instruction by former combat medic Lena Dembitska, and specialized technical work such as marine biologist Nataliya Dykul’s role as a UNDP adviser for underwater mine clearance in the Black Sea. Other women continue to manage essential economic and agricultural activities, such as operating goat farms near Kherson, while navigating the challenges of wartime life.

## Claims

- Anna Purtowa believes women will hold significant responsibility for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Marine biologist Nataliya Dykul serves as a UNDP adviser for underwater mine clearance in the Black Sea. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Former combat medic Lena Dembitska now provides tactical medicine training to soldiers. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Liliya Chertenko develops orthopedic footwear for war casualties. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Ukrainian women assume critical roles in war and reconstruction

Six Ukrainian women are taking on vital roles in politics, military medicine, mine clearance, and economic management as they navigate the impacts of the ongoing war.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukrainian-women-assume-critical-roles-in-war-and-reconstruction

### 2026-08-10: Ukraine: Women drive resilience through specialized services and business

Ukrainian women are demonstrating resilience during the war through specialized initiatives, including the production of orthopedic shoes for soldiers and the founding of new cosmetic businesses.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ukraine-women-drive-resilience-through-specialized-services-and-business

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Cite as: Ukrainian women's roles in wartime and reconstruction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ukrainian-womens-roles-in-wartime-and-reconstruction