Ukraine: The Latest War's oldest weapon - how Russia terrorises women
May 26, 2025
Sofi Oksanen, a Finnish-Estonian author, and Tatyana Tymoshenta, a therapist for rape survivors in Ukraine, delve into the harrowing intersections of gender and warfare. Oksanen highlights how historical misogyny influences current conflicts, while Tymoshenta shares insights on the psychological trauma faced by survivors. They discuss the use of sexual violence as a weapon, the economic incentives driving participation in warfare, and the urgent need for accountability and healing in the aftermath of violence against women.
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Great-Aunt's Soviet Trauma
- Sofi Oksanen starts her essay with the story of her great-aunt, who was traumatized by Soviet interrogations.
- She illustrates long-term consequences of sexual violence as a tool of oppression and terror.
Russia Repeats Colonial Playbook
- Russia's war crimes repeat a colonial playbook including sexual violence and deportations.
- War is gendered; women's voices are excluded from peace talks, hurting sustainable peace efforts.
Dehumanizing Politically Active Women
- Putin's Russia rejects feminism and promotes traditional gender roles dismissing politically active women as "sexually disturbed".
- This stigmatization serves as a method to control and dehumanize women politically active in Ukraine.
