As the night train leaves Kyiv for the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod, in carriage five, Anastasia says she feels reassured.

She and her daughters, aged seven and 10, will have no men in their compartment.

Conflict-stricken Ukraine has introduced women-only sections on several long-distance train lines in a bid to combat sexual harassment against female passengers on public transport.

"I chose this option on purpose because I am traveling alone with my two daughters for the first time," said Anastasia, 38.

"I was a bit anxious," she added, saying she bought the tickets for a women-only carriage as soon as she learnt they were available. It was both a matter of safety and comfort.

"You can change, sleep at night," she said. "It's a closed space and sharing it with men is not very comfortable."

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Ukraine's rail system - one of the largest in the world - has maintained its popularity as an inexpensive way to travel long into the 21st century. Since the start of the conflict, a halt to civilian flights has made long-distance trains even more popular.

Ukrainian Railways also plays a vital role in the conflict effort, helping millions flee to safety, bringing foreign leaders to Kyiv and transporting troops around the country.

However, amid the fighting at the frontlines, many women have to travel alone, and there have been multiple reports of sexual harassment, groping and even rape. 

Ukrainian Railways decided to introduce the new carriages after a petition calling for at least one women-only carriage on all long-distance trains collected more than 25,000 signatures. 

'Better off with girls'

In another of the three women-only compartments of the train departing from Kyiv, 60-year-old Olena, praised the decision.

"I am very happy, to be honest," she said, explaining that her daughter, who lives in Hungary, bought the train ticket for her. She added that she preferred to travel with women. 

"Men are very nice, but sometimes our interests don't align. That's why we are better off with girls," she added. 

"From the very first minute, I felt that I have a very good team and it's a pleasure to travel. So I'm very happy to be here today."

Another passenger, 26-year-old Tetyana, also said she felt more comfortable among women. "Even more so when I'm travelling alone," she said.

Oxana, 22, said she thought the experiment was positive but would have preferred women-only carriages at either end of the train, for more isolation.

Ukraine already tried to bring in women-only train carriages in 2010 but abandoned the idea, citing a lack of demand.

Ukrainian Railways said the scheme could be expanded if it is successful this time. The decision to bring in the carriages has provoked heated debates on social media.

While many women spoke out in favor, some men saw them as a form of "segregation" or complained of being considered potential aggressors. 

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