Reuters: Ukrainian women join coal mines to fill staff gaps amid Russian war

Since the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022, the country’s coal mining industry has undergone a transformative shift, Reuters has reported.

The Ukrainian government, recognizing the urgent need for manpower, repealed a ban restricting women from working underground in coal enterprises – the work that was earlier considered too physically demanding.

With over a thousand specialists, primarily men, leaving their posts to join the fight against the invasion and many losing their lives, coal mining enterprises in eastern Ukraine faced a significant staff shortage.

In response to the critical need for skilled workers, a notable influx of Ukrainian women has taken on roles in the coal mining sector, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the nation’s workforce.

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