The Role of National Feminsm in the Formation of Ukrainian Civic Identity

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the role of national feminism in shaping the civic identity of Ukrainian residents; it substantiates the feasibility of applying a nationally and civically oriented feminist approach to the Ukrainian context. The author's distinct approach to conceptualizing Ukrainian feminism as "civic" is outlined, taking into account its historically determined characteristics as "national feminism" and "pragmatic feminism" (Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak). National feminism is defined as a form of state-building feminism, in which a woman's right to self-determination is identical to the nation's right to sovereignty, and the struggle for gender equality is historically and practically inseparable from national liberation processes and the consolidation of statehood. Pragmatic feminism, according to Martha Bohachevsky-Chomiak's concept, is defined as an approach oriented toward achieving specific social and institutional changes, within which gender equality is viewed not as an ideological goal, but as a prerequisite for women's effective participation in civic life. The contemporary Ukrainian women's movement is interpreted by the author in terms of Michael Billig's "banal nationalism" as "banal civic feminism," which manifests itself in the practices of everyday civic participation (volunteering, financial support of the Ukrainian army, service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine). It is demonstrated that the appeal to Ukraine's inherent national feminism in its civic dimension has become instrumental evidence of the simultaneous development of the feminist movement and the strengthening of national resilience through women's participation in public life. Potential directions for further research on the chosen problematics are identified.