Foreign media: Ukrainian female soldiers have their own military uniform initiative | Women | Ukraine
According to Agence France Presse on July 12th, Ukrainian female soldiers have their own military uniforms.
According to reports, female soldiers are conducting obstacle races and Kalashnikov rifle shooting exercises at a training ground in the suburbs of Kiev. This is the first test of a significant change: a military uniform that suits them has finally been designed.
There are over 42000 female soldiers in the Ukrainian armed forces, but almost all of them wear men's military uniforms. Therefore, the "Arm Women Now" initiative raised donations, designed and produced thousands of uniforms suitable for women, and then distributed them to female soldiers for free.
Alina Perenko, a military psychologist who received two sets of military uniforms, said, "It's very comfortable. Wearing it won't restrict my movements because it's high waisted and allows me to move freely."
When she joined the army, she remembered having "no military uniform at all" for two months. She explained, "Later on, they started providing us with military uniforms, but only men's styles, so we needed to sew them again."
Ukrainian female soldiers usually have to modify their received oversized uniforms or purchase women's military uniforms from armed forces of other countries at their own expense.
The non-governmental organization "Armed Women Now", founded by Ukrainian women, has designed a complete set of women's military uniforms, including a slim fitting jacket, waist adjustable pants, and comfortable sports bras.
All female soldiers will soon receive these military uniforms. The samples are being tested in order to be distributed to the entire Ukrainian army. The organization is in negotiations with the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to make this military uniform the standard.
According to reports, the founder of the organization and member of the European Solidarity Party, Irina Nicollac, said, "I hope all female soldiers can receive this kind of military uniform." Last week, the Ministry of Defense stated that it is working hard to "meet the material needs of female soldiers.". The "Arm Women Now" initiative has provided free clothing to nearly 5000 female soldiers.
Nikolak explained that the "Armed Women Now" initiative offers a wide range of products, including underwear for combat missions, which is "different from underwear worn by ordinary people.". There are also winter black and khaki long sleeved tops and leggings, as well as fleece jackets and waterproof hoodies. There are multiple pockets and buttons on the military uniform, which can adjust the size of the knees and ankles.
Nikolak explained, "Women on the battlefield should not have to worry about their clothing. If a woman picks up weapons to defend her home, family, and country, she should at least have a comfortable uniform. Women cannot wear men's underwear to fight."