Themes by tag: women

How should journalists and communicators approach conversations with military personnel and former prisoners of war without causing harm? What ethical considerations should guide the media’s portrayal of the military? These pressing questions will be at the forefront of a discussion led by Valeriia “Nava” Subotina, a reserve officer, former prisoner of war, and defender of Mariupol. Subotina, who now serves as the director of the YOUkraine hub for ex-prisoners of war, will share her expertise in an upcoming meeting with members of the media.

The session aims to emphasize the importance of ethical communication, highlighting how responsible interactions can aid military personnel and former POWs in transitioning back to civilian life and overcoming psychological trauma.

Pre-registration is required, with a minimum donation of 300 UAH for participation. The event will be held both in person and online via Google Meet. All funds raised will be directed to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

• military
• prisoners
• women
• Kyiv

A School of Construction Equipment Operators for Women has been started at Nemishaieve Professional College in Kyiv Oblast. The program is aimed at training women to become construction equipment drivers, which can help Ukrainian companies cope with the staffing crisis during the war. The idea for the school came from Yuliia Skichko, head of a construction equipment rental company. 

Among the first group of women to start training is a mother of three whose youngest daughter is just one year old. The oldest student in the group is 55 years old.

Tuition, accommodation, and meals are fully covered by the project. 

Practical training on modern construction equipment will begin in two weeks. By prior arrangement, journalists can cover the classes and talk to the participants and organizers of the initiative.

For reference: The program is being implemented by Alef Stroi (LLC “Production and Construction Company “ELITPROEKT-BUD”) and the Nemishaieve Professional College of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences (NUBiP) of Ukraine with the support of the USAID Competitive Economy Program and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

• women
• Kyiv

Diana Chernikova, a trained educator who now works as a fitness trainer, shared her life with her husband, Kostiantyn, a master of sports in artistic gymnastics. Kostiantyn dedicated his life to training young athletes and working as a fitness coach. His talents extended beyond the gym, as he also worked as a stuntman, appearing in films and commercials. Together, they raised their 8-year-old daughter, Kira.

The morning of February 24, 2022, shattered their world as explosions erupted across Kyiv. For a time, the family sheltered in the city, spending countless hours in the shared corridor of their building. Eventually, they decided to evacuate to Kalush, Diana’s hometown in western Ukraine.

Both Diana and Kostiantyn were determined to defend their country, eager to serve in the military. However, with a young daughter to care for, they made the difficult decision that only one of them could enlist. Kostiantyn volunteered in March 2022 and soon took on the role of an FPV drone pilot.

By August 2023, Kostiantyn was engaged in combat in the Donetsk region. Tragically, on May 29, 2024, his service came to a heartbreaking end when he was killed in action.

Diana remains deeply proud of her husband, who selflessly volunteered to protect Ukraine.

For those interested in hearing more about Kostiantyn’s story, Diana is available to speak with journalists in Kyiv.

For reference: The Children of Heroes charity fund is currently supporting Diana and her daughter. The organization aids children who have lost one or both parents due to russia’s full-scale invasion, offering financial assistance, psychological and legal support, and ensuring the educational and developmental needs of these children are met until they reach adulthood.

• dead
• military
• women
• Kyiv

For 15 years, Tetiana Hrek has dedicated her life to teaching karate to both children and adults. Together with her husband, she established a private gym in Bucha, Kyiv region. However, the full-scale invasion changed everything. When the war erupted, Tetiana and her family found themselves trapped under occupation. During this harrowing time, their gym was looted by invaders, and their home came under fire.

After two weeks of living under occupation, Tetiana and her family managed to escape to territory controlled by Ukraine. It wasn’t until a year later that she felt ready to return to Bucha. In her absence, fellow coaches who had remained in the city took it upon themselves to restore the gym and resume classes for children. When Tetiana finally returned, she was welcomed back by eager students waiting to train with her again. Additionally, a public martial arts school in Bucha reopened, and she was invited to join as an instructor.

• casualties
• children
• occupation
• russian crimes
• women
• Kyiv

On August 10, “You Are Not Alone” event will be held in Bucha, Kyiv region. Girls and women who have survived the occupation and feel anxiety during the shelling, or have husbands on the front lines are invited to participate in activities aimed at supporting inner healing and strengthening their sense of security.

Event program:

1. Self-defense for women (1 hour). Professional instructors will teach the participants the self-defense basics so that they could feel more confident and protected in everyday life.

2. Training to deal with anxiety and stress amidst the war (2-3 hours). The psychologist will speak about techniques for overcoming anxiety, stress, and panic attacks.

3. Meditation for internal healing (1 hour). Participants will learn meditation techniques that will help them find inner peace and healing.

Journalists require accreditation.

For your information: The event is organized by the Security Police of Kyiv region, the Security Police of Kherson region and the Bucha City Council.

• casualties
• occupation
• women
• Kyiv

Ofeliia Yershova was 2 years old when her family left Azerbaijan due to the outbreak of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The family moved to Kharkiv, where Ofeliia lived ever since. As an adult, the woman started her own sewing business in the city.

When russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ofeliia persuaded her mother to leave their apartment in Saltivka (the area most affected by the russian shelling). Two days after that, the occupiers destroyed the high-rise building in which Ofeliia’s parents lived. All the sewing equipment that the woman kept in the apartment burned down.

Ofeliia could no longer get back to sewing, so she took up cooking. She made jams and canned meat according to the family recipe. Eventually, the hobby turned into a business. Together with her beloved, she wrote a business plan, applied for a grant from the state, received funds and set up production workshops. Canned meat and jams under the brand “Pani Chef” (lady chef) are produced in Kharkiv. And Ofeliia plans to open a branded store in her hometown soon.

Ofeliia Yershova is ready to communicate with journalists, both online and in person, by prior arrangement.

• casualties
• women
• Kharkiv

Alina Bahai, a bridge master with Odesa Railways, supervises a crew tasked with upgrading infrastructure. In a traditionally male-dominated field, Alina manages a team of all-male repairmen. Together, they replace old asphalt pavement with new reinforced concrete slabs, enhancing the durability and safety of the railway infrastructure. Despite the challenges that might come with being the only woman in her role, Alina finds the job rewarding. She finds it easy to manage a male team, as she performs her job exceptionally well.

• women
• Odesa

Before the onset of the full-scale invasion, Maryna Kukharchuk was already establishing her embroidery workshop in Odesa. She meticulously researched historical embroidery patterns, amassing an extensive collection. 

In response to the full-blown war outbreak, Maryna has launched an online embroidery course aimed at preserving Ukrainian cultural identity amid ongoing efforts by occupiers to undermine it. These are the first courses of their kind in Odesa, with sessions beginning on August 10.

• culture
• women
• Odesa

Greenpeace in Ukraine together with Atmosfera company invite Ukrainian women to learn the skills of a solar installer.

Ten female candidates who pass the preliminary selection will receive free access to the professional course entitled “Solar Installer.” The winners of the competition will have the opportunity to work with Greenpeace on the installation of new renewable energy facilities in Ukraine. (To participate in the competition, one must have a technical education or work experience in technical fields).

Training will start on August 1 in Kyiv: first in an online format, and later — in person.

By prior agreement, journalists will be able to cover the training process.

• women
• Kyiv

The 13th Operational Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine has launched a photo project titled “Women of the Khartiia,” highlighting the roles of female defenders. Among those featured are Svitlana “Chuma” (Plague) a 25-year-old sanitary instructor with the Khartiia brigade’s drone strike unit, and Iryna “Hera,” a 22-year-old UAV operator. Before the large-scale invasion, Chuma managed a motorcycle parts and equipment store. She has since transitioned to a combat medic role, training soldiers in life-saving techniques on the battlefield. Hera, previously employed in social media management, now operates drones. 

Both Chuma and Hera are stationed on the front lines and are available for interviews with journalists, by prior arrangement.

• culture
• military
• women