UKRAINE: A Vinnytsia Woman’s Story

A Vinnytsia Woman’s Story: ‘We had to shatter stereotypes about women in the Armed Forces‘

Stepan Viher & Svitlana Pustovit

An interview with military service woman Kateryna Hubrii

In the modern world, woman are playing an increasingly important role in the army, demolishing stereotypes which hold that military service is a business only for men.

Women are proving that they are capable not just of being support on the front, but also that they can take an active part in hostilities as leaders and professionals in their field.

One such woman is Kateryna Hubrii, who left a civilian career to dedicate her life to defending the homeland by serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Her story encompasses the path from an IT specialist to a military servicewoman, along with the struggle against challenges such as gender stereotypes and her own doubts, I-VIN.INFO reports.

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Kateryna Hubrii currently serves in the communications group of the Vinnytsia Regional Territorial Centre of Recruitment and Social Support (TCC and SP). Recently, she completed sergeant courses, in addition to basic training. Ms. Kateryna discussed the training process, the battle against stereotypes, and her vision for the future rule of women in the Ukrainian Army.

– When and why did you decide to join the military?

– Before entering the service, I worked at the Vinnytsia IT Academy, where I was involved in the organization of educational processes. My job was to help students develop, find their place in our modern technological world, and to realize their potential.

I decided to link my life with the military back in 2022. I made this decision because I realized that each of us must do everything possible to protect our land, our home, and our future.

When the full-scale invasion began, I realized that I wanted to direct my efforts to a something that mattered. The desire to be useful and to do something important became my key motivation. That’s why I decided to join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

– How did you enter the Vinnytsia Regional TCC and SP?

– When I went to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, I was given to options: either mobilization or a contract for service. I chose the first option. Actually, I had seen an advertisement saying that a photographer was needed by the Armed Forces, but it did not indicate whether this job was in the Vinnytsia TCC and SP. When I found out, I asked what my work in their press service would consist of. Everything they told me really interested me, so I chose the position.

– Tell us about your first day of training. What emotions did you experience?

– I remember the first day of basic general military training (BGMT) as a day of contrasts: a mixture of excitement, the pressure of responsibility, and determination. These emotions were very conflicting. I felt a slight excitement about the unknown. It was a whole new world for me; a world in which everything seemed stricter, more organized, and which required maximum concentration.

The first day began with studying the instructions and getting acquainted with the daily routine. We were immediately immersed in the rhythm of military life, where every minute has its purpose. I saw that discipline is the basis of the army – and not only that.

Of course, there were struggles. For example, the physical training and the first tactical exercises seemed difficult, but I looked at this as a challenge. When it seemed as though I lacked the strength to go on, I reminded myself why I was there.

That first day marked the start of a new stage in life for me – a stage that required both physical preparation and inner strength.

– Of the skills that you gained during the BGMT, which ones do you consider the most useful?

– Mastering weapons is one of the fundamental skills for military personnel. Thanks to the BGMT, I improved my shooting skills. In addition to the technical aspects, I learned to treat weapons with the utmost responsibility, being always cognizant of their power and the consequences of their use.

Tactical medical skills are also vital. I learned how to assess the condition of the wounded and to provide first aid, such as stopping bleeding, applying tourniquets and conducting evacuation.

During the BGMT, I learned to navigate terrain, how to choose cover, and how to organize defence and attack. A sound knowledge of tactics allows you to effectively plan and carry out tasks, even under arduous conditions.

Discipline is the basis of military service. The BGMT helped me realize the importance of strictly following orders, understanding my duties, and taking responsibility for my every action.

These skills have become more than professional tools for me – they are also an important part of my personal development. They provide me confidence in my own abilities, strengthen my morale, and help me to perform tasks at the highest level.

– How did the sergeant courses differ from basic training? How did they supplement your knowledge and skills?

– They were a new stage in military training for me. It was qualitatively different from basic training and significantly boosted my knowledge and skills.

The sergeant courses are more in-depth and specialized. The primary emphasis is on leadership, personnel management, decision-making in difficult conditions and organizing the tasks of one’s unit.

Regarding the leadership training, I was taught not merely to follow orders, but to take responsibility for others, motivate my subordinates, and to promote their professional growth. This training involved developing both my personal qualities and my practical management skills.

From the sergeant courses, I also gained expanded knowledge of tactics and advanced skills for communication, conflict resolution, and working with other personnel.

The sergeant courses really built on my basic knowledge, taking it to a new level. They allowed me to not only perform tasks, but also to take an active role in task-planning, in leading the unit, as well as helping to maintain morale and unit cohesion.

– Is there a specific story or a moment from training that you remember the most?

– There were many such memorable moments, but there is one which I think back to the most often. It was when I was passing the psychological obstacle course. It wasn’t just a physical challenge, it was a combined test of endurance, resilience and the ability to overcome fear.

A particular intense incident during this course occurred at the stage where you had to crawl under simulated “fire” through a narrow tunnel. The tunnel was dark, cramped, and every movement was accompanied by noises which intensified the sense of imminent danger. This test forced me to confront my phobia of enclosed spaces. At first, I felt panic, but I recalled the instructor’s words: “Breathe, focus on the next step, and you will pass.”

I paused, took a few deep breaths, and forged ahead. Every meter was brutal, but when I emerged from the tunnel, I felt an incredible sense of relief and pride in myself. It was not only a victory of overcoming a physical obstacle, but a victory over my own fears.

After completing this psychological test, the instructors emphasized to us that this stage of our training was aimed not only at assessing our physical capabilities, but also at enhancing our psychological resilience, which is critical in combat conditions.

This experience has stayed with me as a reminder that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and are ready to overcome challenges step by step.

– How did your male colleagues view you during your training? Did you have to break any stereotypes concerning women in the army?

– I thought about this a lot. Unfortunately, society still believes in a lot of stereotypes about the role of women in the army. This experience was an important step for me in overcoming prejudices and establishing myself as an equal member of the team.

At the beginning of my training, I noticed that some men treated me with skepticism. Occasionally, there was an element of distrust in their views and comments. For example, I heard questions like: “Are you sure you can handle this course?” or “Will you be able to cope with the physical exertion involved?”

Such incidents were a challenge for me. Instead of trying to answer with words, I decided to prove my professionalism with actions. During training, I sought to give my all and successfully complete my tasks.

Over time, I noticed that my male colleagues began to treat me as an equal member of the team. They no longer doubted my abilities and even began to ask me for advice or support.

Yes, I did have to break stereotypes about women in the military. However, this experience made me a stronger person.

– What advice would you give to women who are considering military service but remain hesitant?

– It is important for such women to understand that it isn’t only about physical strength, but also strength of mind, determination, courage, and support from colleagues. Military service requires discipline, responsibility, and the ability to make important decisions under stress.

I understand that many women have doubts due to stereotypes or fears associated with the difficulties which may arise in military service. Nonetheless, I want to emphasize that there is a place for everyone in the army, regardless of gender.

My advice: if you feel called to serve, don’t be afraid to give it a try. Your determination can play a part in changing the perception of the role of women in the army.

– In your opinion, what needs to be changed to make the army more inclusive for women?

– In order for women to serve effectively, it is necessary to pay attention to the conditions which are created for them within military units. This includes the creation of separate hygiene rooms, the provision of special clothing and equipment suitable for women. Such changes can significantly improve the overall experience of women in military service.

For many women, it’s important to balance military service with the role of mother or wife. In this context, support programs must be created for women who have children or family responsibilities, especially flexible schedules and opportunities for vacations. This will allow women who serve to not be forced to sacrifice family values for their career.

– How has your attitude towards yourself changed following military training?

– It was not only a physical test, but also a deep internal process. One of the biggest changes was the realization that I was capable of more than I had previously imagined. I also learned to be more patient with myself. In the army, things don’t always work out the first time, and that’s normal. It’s important to be able to accept your mistakes, analyze them, and move forward. This awareness allowed me to free myself from the fear of not achieving the ideal and to understand that success is not always an instantly obtainable result but rather a constant process of self-improvement.

Military training was an invaluable experience for me. It changed my perception of military service as well as my own inner strength. Now, when I look back, I understand that this journey was one of the greatest in my life.

– Do you plan to continue your studies or career in the military?

– Yes, I plan to continue my military career in the field of communications. As a servicewoman of the communications group of the Vinnytsia Regional TCC and SP, I understand how vital it is to ensure effective communication, information support and liaison between different units, as well as to inform the public about major events and initiatives. This is especially important in the context of modern challenges, when information warfare has a massive impact on the course of events.

– How do you envision the future of women in the Ukrainian Army?

– In recent years, we have witnessed profound changes in the attitude towards women in the military. Women are increasingly integrated into various units, occupy important positions and actively participate in combat operations. This increased involvement has become possible thanks to changes in legislation and expanding opportunities for women in military service.

The future of women in the army is not only about equality of opportunities, but also about recognizing their contributions to our national defence. I am confident that, each year, more and more women will choose to serve in the army and that this will become a key factor in strengthening our country’s security. We, women, can be just as effective as men, and we have the right to participate in all areas of military service.

Photos provided by Kateryna Hubrii

Authors: Stepan Viher, Journalist and Svitlana Pustovit, Creative Director; Translated into English by Michael Warenycia

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