Gender on the Front Line: Representations of Female Military Personnel on Ukrainian Social Media

The role of female soldiers in armed conflicts has garnered significant attention. In Ukraine’s Armed Forces many women serve both on the frontlines and in support roles, facing hardships while striving to maintain a sense of femininity. Social media platforms provide a crucial space for expressing their complex identities: strong yet fragile, modern yet respectful of traditions, courageous warriors yet tender wives and mothers. Through content analysis and qualitative investigation, this study examines how female soldiers construct and express their identities on these platforms, shedding light on gender, militarism, and digital culture. Depictions of women as both warriors and symbols of resilience reinforce Ukraine’s struggle. Female soldiers embody the country’s fight against adversity while symbolizing its plea for support. This mutual constitution of gender and national identity underscores the interconnectedness of personal and national narratives during war.