Writing for rights: “I’m confident that it is possible to find the right words”

Anna Povkh, 22, is a Ukrainian author who wrote the book "Це дівчача справа!", which features the stories of 36 women confronting a variety of gender stereotypes in war-torn Ukraine. She also works as the Communications and Advocacy Manager for the Ukrainian NGO Girls.

1. What inspired you to write stories that challenge gender stereotypes?

I was inspired to write “Це дівчача справа” to show Ukrainian girls that they can express themselves, choose their interests and future professions according to their own dreams and wishes, rather than based on gender stereotypes. Girls continue to hear ‘This is not for you, you're just a girl’ in their daily lives. Perhaps this book will give some of them courage.

It is important for teenage girls to be exposed to these stories, as they give them the opportunity to see that gender stereotypes are not fixed rules or laws, but only someone's beliefs. For example, many girls still grow up believing that technical professions or the political sphere are not suitable for women. But they can read stories about women who have succeeded in these fields in the book. This will give them confidence that their own beliefs and dreams may not coincide with stereotypes and it is okay.

Meanwhile, gender roles for women in Ukraine are changing. Tens of thousands of women are now defending the country alongside men. War is always a terrible and traumatic experience. However, children and teenagers continue to grow, and their personalities are actively forming in this time. This is a time for change in society, for rethinking old scenarios, so that future generations will be freer in their self-expression and choices.

2. How did you select the 36 women featured in the book?

I started writing by compiling a list of stereotypes I wanted to discuss in the book. I searched for characters using social media and personal contacts. I approached girls and women of different ages and from different walks of life. I wanted to have a wide representation of women. I think I succeeded in this, because the book features stories of very different girls and women: from students to directors, from mothers to defenders of Ukraine. Sometimes several women wanted to share stories about the same gender stereotype. Then I had to choose which story would be more revealing and vivid.

It is difficult for me to identify one story that impressed me the most. They are all wonderful and inspiring in their own way. Behind all of them are women and girls who chose to be themselves. However, the section on stereotypes about feminism and gender equality is very important and special to me as it is where I debunk the myths that surround these concepts in society. While selecting women’s stories, I was happy to realize how many people around me share my belief in the importance of talking about feminism and gender equality.

3. What response have you had from young readers since the book’s release?

Since the book was published, I’ve had many meetings with teenagers. I’m surprised to find that they’re even more interested in gender equality and feminism than I expected. I notice that teenagers actively talk about stereotypes in their own lives, about what adults tell them and how they feel about it. They reflect on women’s roles in the context of the war also.

The last book presentation I had took place at a secondary school in Irpin, Kyiv region. The moderator and I prepared a list of questions we planned to discuss. However, the students had so many questions that I spent an entire hour answering them. This is wonderful because it shows that they care about the topic. The book explains in simple terms what stereotypes are, how they are manifested in people's lives, and how to change them.

4. How does your work with the NGO Girls complement the themes of your book in promoting gender equality and empowerment during these challenging times?

Working as the Communications and Advocacy Manager at the NGO Girls allowed me to learn more about gender equality, understand how it is applied in Ukraine, and how the war affects it. I have been working at Girls for almost three years. Before that, I was simply interested in feminism. While working, I saw how many people are involved in this field, what changes are taking place in the country and how exactly they are happening.

This job has taught me to choose the right words to tell people about gender equality, stereotypes, feminism, the threats of gender-based violence, and so on. This is important because society often reacts with rejection when you start talking about gender equality. But I’m confident that it is possible to find the right words.

Working at the NGO Girls gave me space to develop my own feminist activism, which is very important for my work on the book and its further promotion.

5. What advice would you give to young girls who want to challenge societal expectations?

I would advise girls to learn how to defend their rights, boundaries, beliefs and choices. To be self-confident because often it’s hard for girls and women to believe in themselves. I would advise them not to be afraid to dream, to take initiative in various areas of life and to be active.

It’s also very good advice to learn about why certain expectations and gender roles for women and men have been formed. How has the history of the country and society influenced this? What changes are taking place in the world in general?

I would advise questioning other people’s rules and expectations. If a person is convinced, for example, that men are more responsible and rational and therefore should hold leadership positions, think about why this person has formed such beliefs. Is this difference confirmed by science? If you realize that this opinion does not correspond to yours, is it worth listening to?

This story is published as part of "The Past, Present, and Future of Women, Peace, and Security" campaign, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, to celebrate the power of peace. The campaign aims to foster a deeper dialogue on equality, justice and peace, honoring the legacies and amplifying the voices of 25 trailblazing women from across Europe and Central Asia whose significant contributions have transformed their communities, societies, and beyond. The content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official position of UN Women, its partners, or the United Nations.