United to win: Netherlands unveils Ukrainian military uniforms specifically designed for women
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
The social initiative Arm Women Now presented the first military uniform explicitly designed for women in the history of modern Ukraine in the Dutch city of Utrecht.
Ukrinform reports this.
High-ranking officials, military experts, diplomats, and specialized specialists attended the presentation.
Samples of the Ukrainian women's uniform were able to be evaluated by:
- Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans,
- Commander of the Royal Netherlands Army, Lieutenant General Jan Swillens,
- Charge d'affaires of Ukraine in the Netherlands Anatolii Solovei,
- and about 80 representatives of the defense sector who directly work with the provision of military supplies.
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
"We presented a complete set of equipment for women, including summer and winter uniforms, bulletproof vests, berets, thermal underwear, and a special uniform for pregnant servicewomen. The guests were able to see the uniform and learn about its development and why it is critically important for women who have chosen the path of defending the Motherland.
We also told our foreign partners how important it is for women in the army to have an anatomical uniform, and how it facilitates the service of thousands of women in the military, especially on the front line," politician and founder of Arm Women Now Iryna Nykorak said.
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
She noted that the women's uniform is fundamentally different from the men's – and this is not just a matter of convenience, but of actual combat capability and safety.
"The new military uniform features a tailored anatomical fit, fitted cut and optimally placed pockets. It includes a reinforced lumbar region to ensure even load distribution. The materials selected address the specific needs of women, offering a lighter weight, enhanced ventilation, and increased comfort for prolonged wear," Nykorak explained.
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
According to her, the Arm Women Now uniform is designed according to NATO standards but adapted to the Ukrainian military uniform.
"When the team of the first social initiative in Ukraine to introduce a women's uniform in the army worked on creating the summer field suit and other samples of women's military clothing, they studied the experience of the Alliance member countries, in particular those where there is already a separate uniform for women and even a uniform for pregnant women. They analyzed what the ideal equipment for female service members on the front line, performing combat missions or serving in the rear, should look like," Nykorak noted.
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
The politician emphasized that the Ukrainian women's military uniform is unique, and even in the Netherlands, where female representation in the army is significant, there is currently no such level of adaptation.
"Women there receive only the lower part of the thermal underwear, but not the upper part, and use a standard male uniform that does not consider anatomical features. This once again emphasizes how progressive Ukraine is in providing its defenders. As for the anatomical body armor, they combine protection and comfort. The new body armor is designed to consider the female body, which increases safety and reduces discomfort during prolonged wear. The ankles are adapted to the foot's shape, which minimizes the risk of injuries. Special inserts in the clothing provide better support and load distribution," Nykorak added.
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
As part of the event in the Netherlands, the Arm Women Now team also presented Iryna Nykorak's book "Strong Women of a Strong Country", which tells the stories of 30 Ukrainian female soldiers.
"This is not just a collection of biographies – these are real stories about women's courage, leadership and contribution to the defense of Ukraine. The book has become an important part of advocacy work, as it allows the international community to understand women's role in modern warfare better and the challenges they face," Nykorak noted.
The presentation in the Netherlands had several key goals:
- to draw attention to the issue of ensuring women in the military,
- to share the Ukrainian experience,
- and at the same time to hear about the challenges servicewomen face in other countries.
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
"It is essential for Ukraine to maintain an active international dialogue so that the topic of gender equality in the army does not just remain on the agenda, but leads to real changes. And most importantly, this is another step in our advocacy so that Ukrainian servicewomen have the right equipment to meet their needs and help them perform their service more effectively," Nykorak concluded.
In turn, the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, noted on the social network X:
"Over 60,000 women serve in the Ukrainian army, many at the front. Arm Women Now has developed unique uniforms for female soldiers. The exhibition at Kromhoutkazerne rightly draws attention, focusing on these heroines. And a lot can still be done in the Netherlands!"
Photo: Koninklijke Landmacht
For reference:
The social initiative Arm Women Now, which sews women's military uniforms and provides them free to female servicemen on the front lines, was launched in Ukraine on June 1, 2022.
In the summer of 2023, representatives of the volunteer project Arm Women Now demonstrated to journalists samples of women's military uniforms that the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is testing.
Near Kyiv, Arm Women Now organized rigorous tests for Ukrainian journalists and medics to evaluate the new Ukrainian military uniform designed for female servicemembers by NATO standards. The tests included tactical military techniques, obstacle courses, a march-throw, and shooting exercises.
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