Is gender equality really feasible in light Russian war against Ukraine?

Please read this post with an open mind and comprehension before leaving a comment about your thoughts on gender equality. I believe in gender equality, and I strongly believe that we are all equal and no one is better than another person. But I'd like to share some thoughts with you about how I see equality playing out, particularly for Ukrainians and people in other war-torn countries. As some of you may know, I was in Ukraine when the war started, and I am happy to be alive and sound to be able to write this article. I have a lot to say regarding the war to share with you all, but that will be in my next article, but for now, let's focus on the question: is gender equality really practical judging from the Ukraine war?

The reason why I am asking this question is that gender equality is important and this has been an issue for a long time, but how feasible is gender equality? When the war started in Ukraine, a law was passed by the president, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian men were ordered to stay and fight Russia. It was declared on a Thursday in February 2022 that men aged 18 to 60 were prohibited from leaving the country, which has been under martial law since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Women, girls, and children were allowed to leave the country to seek refuge in other European countries.

After hearing this news, I thought to myself, "Can there be gender equality in this world? Many lives have been lost, and the women are seeking refuge in Europe and elsewhere. I know that emotional trauma is part of the process as the women and children leave their husbands and sons behind, but the reality is that the people really defending the country are the men, even if there are women who are part of the Ukrainian army and those who choose to stay back to fight the war. But would it be fair to say that after this war is over, the Ukrainian men will be given equal benefits as the women in government positions, etc.?

If the Ukrainian men stay back and fight and the women are allowed to leave, does it mean that we are all agreeing that men should take charge and should be allowed to lead?

Does it mean that the Ukrainian men are doing more to help the country than the women, and so they deserve to benefit more and control the country at higher levels?

Lastly, as a woman, would you agree that gender equality cannot be visible or practical in every aspect of life due to things like this?

Let's be very pragmatic with our answers. If you were a Ukrainian man who stayed and defended your country, would you still believe that gender equality is visible?

Photo by Mathias Reding