Active involvement of women in demining activities in Ukraine will help to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of this process. Ukraine is interested in Canada's support in promoting gender-transformative demining activities in Ukraine. This was stated by the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko during a meeting with the Ambassador of Canada for Women, Peace and Security Jacqueline O'Neill.

The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Social Policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine, UNDP in Ukraine, UNICEF in Ukraine, HALO Trust in Ukraine.

"Gender equality is seen as an integral part of Ukraine's policy, which is based on the principles of integration, inclusiveness and integrity. This applies to all types of activities, including such important areas as demining. At the moment, Ukraine has already seen noticeable results: the average level of women's involvement among all state and non-state operators is about 30%, which is in line with NATO's "Women, Peace and Security" agenda. We are striving to increase the participation of women in demining activities, so we appreciate the support of our Canadian partners in this matter," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

Canada's mine action assistance (MAC) provides about $28.6 million in funding from 2012 to 2020. It will be available from 2022 and consists of 12 projects, most of which were implemented in 2023. Also in February 2024, Canada allocated funds for MAC projects (within the framework of USD 28.6 million): Gender-inclusive demining for a sustainable future in Ukraine, Supporting the sustainability of demining in Ukraine, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining's Support Programme for Ukraine.

"Ukraine has limited resources in demining activities, we need more demining operators, more equipment, and training for sappers. The Government is considering state funding for private operators, which will increase the number of such companies in the Ukrainian market, as well as to interest international companies in actively joining the process of demining Ukrainian lands," said Yulia Svyrydenko.

The First Vice Prime Minister added that in the context of engaging in professional participation in demining activities, attention should be paid to representatives of social categories and groups of special interest to the state. The Government aims to ensure the professional fulfilment and social integration of women, male and female veterans, victims of explosive ordnance and persons with disabilities through Involvement in demining activities. The Government hopes that Canadian partners will join in creating appropriate training programmes in demining activities, in particular for women.