Ukraine funds its war from wages, and a 1971 law keeps millions of women from earning them

For over three decades, Ukraine's Labor Code has prohibited women from working night shifts, except in specific sectors approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. However, the Cabinet has never adopted the list of sectors, leaving the prohibition without any practical implications. This has led employers in industries that rely on night work to avoid hiring women due to legal uncertainty and potential fines.

With Ukraine facing a shortage of roughly 4.5 million workers, the situation further exacerbates the labor market challenges.

Currently, 81% of Ukraine's registered unemployed are women, up from 55% before the full-scale invasion. Many sectors, including hospitals, police, railways, and the State Emergency Service, employ women on night shifts despite the legal restrictions. Employers are cautious due to the potential for inspections and fines, causing them to prefer hiring men instead.

A 1971 law prohibits night work for women except in sectors deemed necessary, but the list of such sectors has never been approved, creating a "vacuum" that employers exploit to their advantage. The draft Labor Code bill No. 14386, submitted in 2026, aimed to abolish the general prohibition on women's night work and provide equal rights for parents. However, the bill never reached a vote before the government resigned and the bill was withdrawn.

Despite the legal restrictions, progress has been made in other areas. Women can now enter any profession, subject to a medical examination to ensure no significant health risks. Military service for women has also been equal to that of men.