Profit over Peace: IFIs and women’s participation during war and transition in Ukraine

Women have been excluded from participation in formalised peace processes throughout the war in Donbass in Ukraine. This is despite the greater likelihood of sustainable peace when women are involved. This thesis investigates the political economy factors during conflict that affect women’s ability to participate in peace processes. It examines the case of Ukraine which has experienced three decades of economic restructuring promoted by international financial institutions. Feminist global political economy analysis identifies the direct and indirect gendered impacts of land, gas, and pension reforms on women’s meaningful participation that need to be addressed in any plan for sustainable peace.