Outcome UKR_D_1.3

Outcome 3: Early recovery interventions are effective in increasing inclusive human development, promoting a sustainable green economy and building a resilient society

UN Women Ukraine made good progress towards this outcome, especially in regard to women’s economic participation. While women are more economically vulnerable, especially women IDPs and single-headed households, the war has also created new spaces for women’s economic participation, with early recovery interventions promoting women’s economic empowerment. In terms of addressing root causes to discrimination and GBV, moderate progress has been made, as much more is needed considering the added protection risks due to the war. Key results under this outcome include: A) More than 56,000 women are economically empowered, through livelihood recovery support, skills development, business support, and access to employment. Women increased their economic opportunities, while companies, in particular those affected by the full-scale war, gained insights into the benefits that the private sector can gain from the involvement of women and female entrepreneurs. Women engaged in capacity development, mentorship programs and networking events, and showcased their skills, connected with employers, and strengthened partnerships between the private sector, government, and civil society through initiatives like “Women For The Future” and the “Women's Entrepreneurship Expo” platforms. The corporate sector, including both private and state-owned businesses, actively developed their capacity and commitment to implement and advocate for gender equality. Several companies demonstrated strong commitments for GEWE through the implementation of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) . In total, six new companies implemented nine internal gender policies while 8 companies passed self-assessments on WEPs, and one company developed a Gender Action Plan. These are key steps as part of the WEPs commitments to advancing gender equality through their company organization and value chains. Civil society has also played a key role, as sixteen national women's CSOs made substantial contributions to enhancing the agency and economic prospects of local women. For example, through some of their efforts over 2,800 women engaged in training programs for employment, business skills, and small business startups. Following the successful completion of these initiatives, 231 women secured new jobs, established businesses, or strengthened existing ones, significantly boosting their economic situation. UN Women played a pivotal role in fostering women's economic empowerment in Ukraine through diverse initiatives in collaboration with national women's CSOs and the private sector. For example, UN Women facilitated the creation of platforms like “Women For The Future” and organized the Women's Entrepreneurship Exhibition at the Expo Satellite Event, along with other networking and capacity-building events. UN Women also supported private sector companies in implementing the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), providing capacity development and technical advice. Through dedicated funding for CSOs to implement projects on women’s economic empowerment, UN Women supported local initiatives boosting women’s livelihoods. B) Women and girls in ten war-affected communities benefit from strengthened coordination and referral mechanisms to support timely access to GBV services. Ten communities heavily affected by the war in Poltava and Dnipro have improved coordination and referral mechanisms to support timely access to GBV services for war affected women and girls. The leaders of these communities mapped GBV service points in their respective communities, which can support women and girls to access justice and other GBV services. 100 women activists participated in this initiative and are involved in the community security groups in these communities. UN Women supported the women activists by conducting trainings on how to contribute to community recovery committees on gender and protection of women’s rights and safety, addressing prevention of GBV/CRSV and trafficking of women. With CSO trainings on effective community mobilization and advocacy, women activists can now also better engage local leaders on women issues, needs and priorities for inclusion in recovery. As part of the new Strategic Note (2025-2029) to be developed in 2024, a new ToC will be developed to further reflect how UN Women will support the needs and priorities of women and girls in Ukraine, across the HDP nexus and recovery efforts.