Meet Karina Yatsina, a former nanny turned mine worker in eastern Ukraine. With the ongoing conflict leading to a shortage of male workers, Yatsina is just one of 130 women who have taken on jobs in the coal mine industry.
Despite stereotypes and biases inherited from the Soviet era, Ukrainian women are increasingly stepping into traditionally male-dominated roles, reshaping the country’s workforce. In response to labor shortages, women are now truck drivers, factory workers, and even serving in the army.
The mining industry has seen a surge in female workers, with companies like DTEK hiring hundreds of women to fill the gaps left by drafted male employees. Women like Yatsina and Valentyna Korotaeva are taking on roles like conveyor belt operators and crane operators, contributing to the war effort while keeping the economy running.
While this shift is significant, economists warn that it may not be enough to replace all the male workers who have left. However, initiatives like training programs for women to become truck drivers are paving the way for more opportunities for women in the workforce.
As women like Yatsina aspire to advance in their careers, their determination and resilience in the face of adversity are shaping a new chapter in Ukraine’s history.
Read the full article on The New York Times for more insights.