Russia, over the past century, has had a very parasitic relationship with Ukraine, significantly impacting its citizens' freedoms and well-being. A variety of literature explores these effects, particularly how they shape societal norms and individual agency within the country. However, much of this literature remains unnoticed due to underrepresentation and a lack of Ukrainian-to-English translations. Women authors are significantly marginalized, lost to state censorship and outrage. My thesis analyzes five short stories written by three distinguished Ukrainian female authors: Eugenia Kononenko, Liudmyla Taran, and Oksana Zabuzhko. Together, these stories make a broad statement on how women are both directly and indirectly restricted by authoritative governments. Taking place during or closely after Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union, each story uniquely touches on the mistreatment women face physically, societally, and systematically. The stories discuss themes of sexual mistreatment, female competition, complications of romantic relationships, and women's confinement to the domestic sphere. Through my critical analysis of these works, I aim to connect readers to the historical plight Ukrainian women have faced for multiple decades. In recent years, Ukraine and its citizens have been depicted as mere victims; their lives and experiences presented as foreign and far from those of someone living in the United States. While it is urgent to emphasize the tragedies that are being committed against Ukraine and its people, it is also equally important to spread awareness about other, now neglected, issues that are impacting Ukrainian citizens. By highlighting the everyday experiences of Ukrainian women and girls, I seek to reveal the universal mistreatment of women and its similarities across regions and time spans. Drawing these connections and shedding light on these stories helps humanize those who are purely seen as victims, allowing readers to relate to their experiences and better grasp the urgency of their cause.
Acknowledgements: Kristin Bidoshi and Jenelle Troxell