Research Context
As of February 2026, 4.4 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection in the EU — 43.5% of them adult women. With 5.6 million Ukrainian refugees remaining abroad and over a third having no plans to return, millions will stay in the EU for years. That is why policy must go beyond return scenarios to actively leverage their economic potential and civic engagement in support of Ukraine's defence and recovery already now.
The potential is significant: despite being largely qualified and experienced, many displaced Ukrainian women are pushed below their skill level by structural barriers — unrecognised credentials, limited childcare, and labour market restrictions. Yet over 60% are already civically active abroad, from local government advocacy to humanitarian fundraising and cultural diplomacy. This is a mobilisable resource that still lacks systemic support.
Key objectives
Identify the advocacy potential of Ukrainian women in the EU: who, how, and in what formats they are already supporting Ukraine, and under what conditions this influence can be strengthened.
Assess realistic scenarios for economic engagement: remote employment, project-based participation, and circular mobility as specific conditions for engagement.
Formulate evidence-based recommendations for government bodies and international organizations in the context of demographic development strategies, employment policies, and the Ukraine Facility.
How we do it
Desk Research
Review of Eurostat statistics, existing studies, and current national strategies.
Online Survey
300–500 respondents from 10+ EU countries; focused on conditional engagement scenarios rather than return intentions only.
Focus Group Discussions
Three groups of women: 1) those living in the EU and working remotely for Ukrainian businesses and organizations; 2) those living in the EU and actively advocating for Ukraine’s support in their host countries; 3) those who have returned and are actively engaged in civic and political processes in Ukraine.
Expert Interviews
With representatives of civil society organizations, embassies, think tanks, and businesses.
Validation Workshops
To develop recommendations on mechanisms for engaging Ukrainian women in the EU in economic and civic-political activities based on research findings (online/offline, June 2026).
How you can get involved
We invite collaboration from:
Ukrainian civil society organizations in EU countries
distribute the survey among your networks and participate in focus groups.
Representatives of government bodies
participate in expert interviews and the workshop for developing practical recommendations.
International organizations and think tanks
become information partners and participate in the workshop for developing practical recommendations.
Business associations and companies
participate in the workshop for developing specific recommendations on mechanisms for engaging Ukrainian women in economic activities.
Contacts
Maryana Zaviyska
Co-founder and Director of Open Space Works Ukraine
skrow.ecapsnepo%40aksyivaz, +380 93 665 50 97 (WhatsApp / Signal)
Milena Horiachkovska
Project Coordinator at the Ukrainian Women’s Fund
au.gro.fwu%40aksvokhcayrog.m
Research Team
Natalia Harasivka
Research co-lead
Maryana Zaviyska
Research co-lead
Svitlana Zueva
Engagement and data collection specialist
Sofia Rozumenko
survey participants engagement