Speaking at the workshop Gender Equality in EU Accession and Recovery as a Driver of Ukraine's Transformation in Gdańsk on 26 June 2026, EIGE Director Carlien Scheele joins Ukrainian partners for the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation and a discussion on how gender equality can shape an inclusive recovery and European future.
It is a real honour to mark this moment with our Ukrainian partners today.
This moment is yet another milestone to commitment to gender equality of both Ukrainian government institutions and the civil society.
Even in a time of profound crisis, Ukraine is keeping gender equality and human rights firmly on the political agenda as the country rebuilds, reforms and moves forward on its European path.
This Memorandum of Cooperation is therefore more than signatures on paper. It is a shared commitment to turn evidence into action, to strengthen gender-responsive recovery, and to help ensure that Ukraine’s transformation is grounded in the lived realities of women and men.
As an Agency home to data and insights on gender equality, we know the value of measuring progress – because what we measure, we can manage and then we can improve.
The very fact that Ukraine established a Gender Equality Index during a time of active war sends a very powerful message to the European and the international community – it reminds us all that there is no perfect time to prioritise gender equality and start tackling inequalities between women and men. It is about values and what you choose to do with the time available to you. You have stepped into purpose with courage and discipline, and it is an inspiration to us all.
We are proud to stand with Ukraine in this next phase: moving from commitments to implementation, from data to decisions, and from recovery to lasting, inclusive change.