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political parties neglect to mention women’s problems and interests. Although women’s participation in politics has de clined, there has been a rise in women-oriented groups. “There are formations of numerous women-only groups, which are organizing ’from below’ around various con cerns” (Notar). Women’s groups are appearing and reappearing in Ukraine. “For the first time in the history of the Ukraine, women have started their own organiza tions with obvious political and feminist orientations” (Buckley, 90). One of these is “Mama’86” which came about in reaction to the world’s worst nuclear accident in the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. “The primary goal of this organization is to help improve the health of women and children in Kiev, particularly in regard to th^e aftermath of Chornobyl. And hazardous waste sites scattered around the city” (Notar). A second organiza tion is “the Women’s Union of Ukraine, which dates back to pre-Soviet times. It was formed in 1919, and is therefore one of the oldest women’s organizations in Ukraine. It is currently a social independent organiza tion, reformed in June, 1991. The two principle goals of the Women’s Union are: 1) for women to have equal rights with men in all areas; and 2) to improve women’s health” (Notar). It is this organization which in October 1994 presented to the President of Ukraine the demand or idea for a Commission for Women “for matters in Par liament, reduction of women’s unemployment, to improve the health of women and conditions in maternal and child care clinics and as well other serious treatment of women’s issues” (Notar). On December 29, 1994 Presi dent Kuchma “promised to establish a Commission on Women in the government” (Notar). “Another important group in the Ukraine is the Organization of Soldiers’ Mothers. From its inception, it became the most politi cally powerful women’s group” (Buckley, 94). These are just three of several groups in Ukraine that are con cerned with women’s issues. The establishment of these groups and women in politics in Ukraine demonstrate that women are willing to take the initiative in their advancement. Health Health care for women in Ukraine, especially in areas of reproductive health, continues to be a critical situation. Medical care in maternity hospitals is a big problem. “The infant mortality rate is 13.6 per 1000” and the mortality rate during child birth is also high (UCWS#2). The death rate exceeds the birth rate in Ukraine in a “13:12 ratio (per 1000) as of 1992” (WRB, 148). “Recently in Ukraine the problem of contraception has become very acute following the economic and environmental crisis and the problem of Chernobyl” (UCWS, 38). Although contraceptives are available, they are not readily accessible. One result is that abortion becomes a method of birth control. It seems to be “the most widely-spread form of contraception” in Ukraine (UCWS, 38). In fact, “the number of abortions each year seems to be higher than the number of births” (WRB, 145). “IUD is presently the most common form of con traception”, and is used by one out of every four women using protection (UCWS, 39). Condoms, pills and the rhythym method are also types of birth control com monly used. The insufficient use or failure to use proper protective birth control can not only lead to unwanted pregnancy, but also the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS/HIV. Although the trend of HIV/AIDS has not reached the proportion of infection rates in other countries, it still exists in Ukraine. As of 1994 there have been documented cases in Ukraine. Prostitu tion can contribute to the spread of these diseases. “It was recognized as quite a recent phenomena since it was criminalized for many years by Soviet legislation” (UCWS, 40). Although this is not necessarily a new occurrence, it is openly publicized now in times of “newly found freedoms”. Prostitution is blamed on the collapse of the economy and the lack of money and low living standard. Other contributing factors to disease and poor health among women are smoking and alchohol consumption. In a poll taken, “one out of five women smoked and one out of every ten women consumed alcohol” (UCWS, 36). Smoking and alcohol have been linked to breast cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases. Lastly the Chernobyl explosion has been of grave concern and has contributed to health problems. A number of women have seen the effects of this catastrophe. “Many child ren are being born with birth defects and there has been an increased rate of miscarriages” (WRB, 145). These are both the effects of high-level radiation. Health care and health problems of women are an international concern. As cited previously, health care and health problems are on the agenda of many Ukrainian groups. Although there has been an initiative, further action and implementation must be taken to ensure women health ier lives. Privatization ”As for now, most of the property in Ukraine is state controlled and only 5% has been privatized. The direc tion of privatization and the ability of women to acquire their share of this property will crucially determine the level of living of women in the next 10-20 years” (UCWS. 46). How women will personally contribute to the market economy will be a critical factor in their future status. Conclusion ’’The instabilities, tensions and disputes of the economy, polity and society are unlikely to abate in the 1990s.” (Buckely, xii). The transformation from a totalit arian society has and will lead to further instability in all spheres of life in Ukraine. Women have been, are pres ently, and will be affected by the transitions taking place. Negative effects will be frequent, especially with 20 ’НАШЕ Ж ИТТЯ”, ЧЕРВЕНЬ 1995 Видання C оюзу Українок A мерики - перевидано в електронному форматі в 2012 році . A рхів C У A - Ню Йорк , Н . Й . C Ш A.
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