Ukraine has taken a significant step in uniting couples separated by the ongoing war by launching an online marriage service through the Diia mobile application. This innovative approach allows couples to marry digitally, overcoming the challenges posed by the conflict.
Key Takeaways
First of Its Kind: Ukraine is the first country to fully digitalize the marriage process.
Growing Popularity: As of September 20, 251 couples have successfully married online.
Military Inclusion: Soldiers can now marry their partners while on the front lines.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Same-sex marriage remains illegal, highlighting ongoing social issues.
The Launch of Online Marriages
The wedding of Olha Shevchenko and Mykyta Pukhkan in September marked a historic moment as they became one of the first couples to utilize the Diia app for their marriage. The couple, who were initially hesitant, decided to embrace this new method after seeing a notification about the beta version of the online wedding service.
"It looked a little unusual... But we risked it," Shevchenko shared, reflecting on their decision to marry despite the ongoing war.
The Diia Mobile Application
Launched in 2020 by Ukraine's Digital Transformation Ministry, the Diia app has become a vital tool for over 20 million Ukrainians. It offers a range of services, including access to official documents and business registration, all designed to simplify bureaucratic processes.
In September, the app added the online marriage feature after months of testing, allowing couples to apply, propose, and marry from anywhere in the country or even abroad.
The Online Marriage Process
Couples can complete the entire marriage process online, which includes:
Application Submission: Couples can apply for marriage through the app.
Proposal: Partners can propose digitally.
Ceremony: The wedding ceremony is conducted via video call.
Digital Signature: Couples confirm their marriage with a digital signature.
Shevchenko and Pukhkan experienced their wedding while sitting in a café, listening to the registrar conduct the ceremony over video. Despite an air raid alert and power outages, they described the experience as perfect.
Statistics and Impact
According to the Digital Transformation Ministry, the online marriage service has seen rapid uptake:
251 couples married online as of September 20.
3,200 applications for online marriage.
830,000 proposals recorded, with 106,000 accepted.
Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized the uniqueness of this service, stating that it closes the entire marriage cycle online and generates a document that can be received at the post office.
Marriage Amidst War
The introduction of online marriages was driven by necessity, as nearly a million Ukrainians are currently serving in the military. The number of marriages in Ukraine surged to 222,890 in 2022, but dropped to 186,051 in 2023, alongside an increase in divorces.
To facilitate marriages during martial law, Ukraine's parliament simplified the process, allowing military personnel to marry remotely.
Ongoing Challenges for LGBTQ+ Couples
While the online marriage service has made significant strides, it has also highlighted the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Ukraine. Same-sex marriage remains illegal, and efforts to pass legislation for civil partnerships have stalled in parliament.
Vitalii Tsariuk, who applied for marriage with his partner, noted that the current system does not accommodate same-sex couples, reflecting a broader societal issue. Despite this, he remains hopeful that the Diia app could eventually support same-sex marriages once the necessary laws are enacted.
In conclusion, Ukraine's online marriage initiative represents a remarkable adaptation to the challenges posed by war, while also underscoring the need for continued advocacy for equal rights for all couples in the country.
Sources
Ukraine launches online marriages to unite couples separated by war, The Kyiv Independent.
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