Female Leadership in Environmental Peacebuilding: Ievgeniia Kopytsia Speaks at British Academy Summer Showcase

12th July 2024

Club member Ievgeniia spoke at a British Academy event in London. The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. 

This article is copied in full from the Oxford University Law Faculty website.

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the British Academy hosted its annual Summer Showcase Private View, offering an exclusive preview of their free festival of ideas. Among the featured speakers was Dr. Ievgeniia Kopytsia, an academic visitor and a research associate at the University of Oxford, who delivered a compelling talk on "Female Leadership in Environmental Peacebuilding: Converging climate, nature and peace."

Dr. Kopytsia's presentation shed light on the crucial role women play in connecting sustainability, social equity, and peacebuilding efforts. Her talk focused on inspiring examples of Ukrainian women who are leading green space protection and sustainable reconstruction initiatives, even as their country grapples with the devastating impacts of war.

A key point emphasized was the relevance of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security  in the context of the war in Ukraine. Authorized in 2000, this resolution calls for the meaningful inclusion of women in all areas of peace-building and conflict resolution, including post-conflict recovery and reconstruction. 

These efforts, as Dr. Kopytsia explained, not only contribute to ecological preservation but also play a significant role in building social cohesion and laying the groundwork for lasting peace. The talk emphasized how environmental initiatives can serve as a unifying force, bringing communities together and creating shared goals that transcend conflict.

Dr. Kopytsia's research, which draws on her expertise in environmental law and her work with Oxford Net Zero, offers valuable insights into the intersection of gender, environment, and peace studies. Her presentation at the British Academy Summer Showcase highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting women's leadership in addressing complex global challenges.

The event provided attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and ideas across various disciplines. Dr. Kopytsia's talk was part of a diverse program that showcased the British Academy's commitment to fostering dialogue on pressing societal issues.

For those interested in learning more about the Summer Showcase and other presentations, please visit the British Academy's event page: https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/events/british-academy-summer-showcase-2024/ 

This talk by Dr. Kopytsia serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that women play in environmental conservation and peacebuilding, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Ukraine. It underscores the importance of inclusive approaches to addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and building resilient communities in the face of adversity.

"Let me be clear: this war has shattered old stereotypes. Gone are the days when women were seen as mere victims of conflict. Today, Ukrainian women are on the frontlines – not just metaphorically, but literally. They're in our armed forces, they're leading volunteer efforts, and they're spearheading the recovery of our nation, often in areas where the thunder of artillery is still heard.

But make no mistake – women still bear the heaviest burdens of this war. When bombs destroy our crops, when polluted water makes our children ill, it's women who face these challenges head-on. Yet, it's also women who rise, time and time again, to find solutions, to heal, to rebuild."