An example of activity

The purpose of the event is to bring together the veteran community and employers to discuss how to create decent working conditions for veterans: accessibility and a comfortable workplace environment, self-employment opportunities, the importance of attracting employees with different backgrounds, etc.

IREX in Ukraine has been implementing a veterans’ reintegration program since 2019. Employment of combatants is one of the program’s focuses, said IREX Project Director Uliana Bakh. And the task of Ukrainian society is to create all the conditions for veterans to find a job that they will not only enjoy, but also provide decent living conditions.

“The economy dictates the conditions under which we feel a lack of resources. Veterans are a worthy resource that employers from various sectors need: both business and the state. Only together can we ensure decent conditions for female and male veterans. I hope that this event will be another step towards what every defender is fighting for – creating a strong
Ukraine,” Bach said.
It is our duty to ensure a successful transition from service to civilian life for female and male veterans, to help them become effective members of society, said Matthew Johnson, First Secretary for Stabilization at the U.S. Embassy. We must show Ukrainian veterans that we value their contribution to the defense of Ukraine.

“Reintegration of female and male veterans and creation of jobs for them is important for the Ukrainian economy. Even before the full-scale invasion, a large number of veterans were unemployed. The term “veteran” has become stigmatized, and we must work together to overcome this stigma,” Johnson emphasized.

According to the Ministry of Veterans, after the war, every tenth Ukrainian will be a combatant, a member of their families, and the families of fallen soldiers.That’s why the Praktyka project cooperates with 145 Ukrainian and international companies on veterans’ employment, says its director Iryna Haluzynska.Employers are provided with recommendations on how to interact with defenders who have returned from war.

The forum also served as a platform for the presentation of three new manuals developed within the project for different work environments: manufacturing, outdoor work, and the police, which is one of the most visible employers for combatants.

Veterans shared their own job search experience and needs, discussed with government and business representatives ways to create veteran-friendly working conditions.

They also expanded their professional network.
“Restoring veterans to civilian life is a common challenge for the state, communities, NGOs and businesses,” said Kostyantyn Tatarkin, Advisor to the Veterans Reintegration Program, ”And today, international technical assistance projects such as the IREX Veterans Reintegration Program can and should help each of these stakeholders build sustainable systems with the support of our country’s main investors.The first Praktyka: Returning Veterans to the Labor Market forum was held in March 2023. Supporting the activities of governmental and non-governmental structures in Ukraine that take care of combatants is one of the focuses of the Veterans Reintegration Program.