#44 Feminist Resistance in Armed Conflicts: Beyond Victimhood, Toward Justice (Special Episode)

++ Diese Folge ist Teil des 'Women in International Law'
Symposiums auf dem Völkerrechtsblog und wurde deshalb auf
Englisch produziert. ++


Women play diverse and complex roles in armed conflicts – whether
as combatants, peacebuilders, community organizers, or as those
directly impacted by war, including through gender-based
violence. Yet, international law has long struggled to fully
acknowledge their agency and provide meaningful protections.


In this episode, Polina Kulish and Rishiti Choudaha sit down with
Kateryna Demerza and Vladyslava Vorobiova from Vitsche e.V., a
Berlin-based NGO that amplifies Ukrainian voices in Europe.
Together, they discuss the realities of women’s resistance in
wartime contexts, feminist activism’s role in challenging
silences of international law, and the broader struggles against
disinformation.


Before the interview, Céline Chausse introduces the discussion by
reflecting on the ‘Women in International Law’ symposium and the
importance of centering women’s voices in conversations about
conflict and justice. Sissy Katsoni then provides a legal
overview, setting the stage with key facts and frameworks on how
international humanitarian and human rights law seek to protect
women in conflict – and where these frameworks continue to fall
short.


With armed conflicts around the world continuing to impact
millions of women, this discussion provides a timely reflection
on solidarity, activism, and the future of feminist engagement in
international law.


This special episode is part of the ‘Women in International Law’
symposium and was therefore produced in English.


Have thoughts to share? We’re all ears! Whether it’s applause,
reflections, or a dash of helpful critique, reach us anytime at
podcast@voelkerrechtsblog.org. Be sure to subscribe via RSS,
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Background information (all Open Access):




Völkerrechtsblog, Women in International Law Vol. 4 (2025)




Ruta Association for Central, South-Eastern, and Eastern
European, Baltic, Caucasus, Central and Northern Asian
Studies in Global Conversation




Bohachevsky-Chomiak M, Feminists Despite Themselves: Women in
Ukrainian Community Life, 1884-1939 (Canadian institute of
Ukrainian studies, University of Alberta 1988)




Yuliia Mieriemova, How Ukrainian servicewomen’s stories of
war matter (2025).




Maryna Shevtsova (ed.), Feminist Perspective on Russia’s War
in Ukraine: Hear Our Voices (2024)



UN Women, Gender alert: Scarcity and fear: A gender analysis
of the impact of the war in Gaza on vital services essential to
women’s and girls’ health, safety, and dignity – Water,
sanitation, and hygiene (2024).









Moderation: Céline Chausse 


Interview: Polina Kulish, Rishiti Choudaha, and Sissy
Katsoni


Background information: Sissy Katsoni


Cut: Daniela Rau


 


Credits:
Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace & Security, “A
Message from Oleksandra Matviichuk“ on YouTube (1:00-1:36)