Government supports women’s and girls’ resilience in Ukraine
Published
Russia’s systematic and illegal attacks in Ukraine have deadly consequences. Women may be vulnerable, but they also play a key role in Ukraine’s civilian resilience in areas such as health and medical care, education and defence initiatives. Therefore, the Government is allocating more than SEK 71 million for activities that benefit women and girls in Ukraine. The funds will be distributed between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Programme for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) with a focus on humanitarian activities.
“Ukrainian women have been the backbone of the country’s resilience since day one of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Today, on International Women’s Day, I want Ukrainian women and girls to feel Sweden’s support. That’s why today we are presenting a humanitarian support package of more than SEK 71 million in 2026 to support the resilience of Ukrainian women,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Trade Benjamin Dousa.
“Gender equality is also a matter of defence and security. Ukrainian women are defending Europe against Putin’s terror on a daily basis. Supporting the women of Ukraine is not only our duty, but a moral imperative,” says Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson.
The vulnerability of women and girls often increases at times of war and humanitarian crisis. The support that the Government is providing will contribute to psychosocial support for women and girls, improved maternal care and protection for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights. For example, support to the UNFPA reaches more than 8.9 million people through its 153 gynaecological clinics, 27 mobile reproductive health units, three mobile maternity units and 104 health facilities.
Gender equality, women’s and girls’ freedom, empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health and rights are all clear priorities for Sweden. Through close cooperation with the UNFPA and UN Women, Sweden is helping to improve women’s and girls’ enjoyment of human rights. At a time when opposition to women’s and girls’ human rights is increasing, this work is more important than ever. Swedish support helps provide access to safe abortion care and contraception, and promotes the trend towards greater gender equality globally.
Sweden’s support to UN Women and UNFPA
The Government has entered into a new three-year agreement with UN Women for the period 2026–2028. Sweden’s financial support to UN Women is expected to amount to SEK 112.5 million annually. Twenty per cent or SEK 22.5 million of the support for 2026 will be earmarked for UN Women’s humanitarian activities in Ukraine.
The Government has also entered into a new three-year agreement with the UNFPA for the period 2026–2028. Sweden’s financial support to the UNFPA is expected to amount to SEK 486.5 million annually. Twenty per cent of the support for 2026 is earmarked for the UNFPA’s humanitarian fund, including SEK 48.65 million specifically for activities in Ukraine.
In addition to core support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden provides significant programme and project support to UN Women and UNFPA activities through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
Funding for this support comes from the development assistance budget.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 764 06 21
email to Lukas Zeiler
Press Assistant to Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76-772 08 25
