CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS OF GENDER ORIENTED SOCIAL WORK WITH INTERNALLY DISPLACED WOMEN IN UKRAINE

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the chosen topic is due to the need to rethink approaches to social support for IDPs through the prism of a gender approach. The title of the work directly reflects its problematic field: combining the gender approach as a theoretical and methodological basis and practice of social work with a specific vulnerable group – women who have experienced forced displacement. In war conditions, gender inequalities are exacerbated: women more often take on responsibility for children and elderly relatives, face difficulties in finding employment, double burden and increased risk of gender-based violence. Therefore, there is a need to implement gender-sensitive and gender-transformative social work practices that not only respond to the consequences of the crisis, but also contribute to overcoming structural inequality. Objective of the article. Identification of the features of gender oriented social work with IDP women in Ukraine, as well as an assessment of modern practices of supporting this group of clients through the prism of the continuum of gender approaches to increase the effectiveness of their social adaptation. Scientific novelty. The analysis of the specifics of the vulnerability of IDP women of different age groups, as well as modern gender oriented practices of social work with IDP women in Ukraine, was carried out through the prism of the continuum of gender approaches by Gita Rao Gupta. This allowed classifying existing practices of social work with IDP women in Ukraine according to three levels of gender approach: gender-sensitive, gender-transformative and empowerment. Results. Thus, the practical application of a gender oriented approach in social work involves conducting gender analysis at all levels and taking into account the principles of intersectionality and inclusiveness, which ensures a more comprehensive consideration of the needs of IDP women and the adaptation of support programs to their real needs and living conditions in Ukraine. Gender-oriented social work is based on the principles of gender equality, intersectionality, empowerment and overcoming structural inequality. The use of gender analysis allows identifying specific barriers faced by IDP women and forming targeted support programs taking into account their social experience. Using gender statistics as an information basis for analysis allows us to identify specific barriers faced by IDP women and to formulate targeted assistance strategies that take into account their unique social experiences.