Verkhovna Rada vice speaker meets with NATO Secretary General's special envoy for women

Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk met with Clare Hutchinson, the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, the parliament's press service has reported.

"Deputy Chairwoman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Olena Kondratiuk held a working meeting with the NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for Women, Peace and Security, Clare Hutchinson. Olena Kondratiuk thanked Ms Hutchinson for participating in the third Ukrainian Women's Congress and noting the important role of Ukrainian women in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our state,” the report says.

The vice speaker also expressed Ukraine’s interest in implementing the experience of NATO member states in security and defense issues, as well as standards for ensuring gender equality.

Ms Hutchinson, in turn, noted the significant progress of Ukraine in ensuring gender equality.

“I am very pleased to be here and see the progress that Ukraine has made. You have done a lot in recent years. In its turn, NATO will continue to help advance the issue of women in the security sector and gender equality,” she said.

As Ukrinform reported, the third Ukrainian Women's Congress kicked off in Kyiv on Tuesday. First Lady Olena Zelenska opened the event, which will last for two days, December 10-11.

The congress will focus on discussions of equal rights and opportunities for men and women.

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