The winners of the “Woman of Donetsk Region 2025” named in Kyiv
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Photos: UN Women/Yan Dobronosov
The “Woman of Donetsk Region 2025” award ceremony took place in Kyiv — a renewed tradition that has continued since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The event was organized by the Donetsk Regional State Administration together with NGO ‘Slavic Heart’, with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funding from the Governments of Sweden and Denmark.
The “Woman of Donetsk Region” contest is aimed at recognizing women leaders for their significant contribution to the social and cultural life and development of the Donetsk region. It honors those who promote positive changes in the field of gender equality and the implementation of state policy on equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
This year's winners:
- Leadership in Action — Tetiana Marena, Acting Rector of Mariupol State University.
- Master of Her Craft — Viktoriia Zghardan, Substation Maintenance Electrician at DTEK Donetsk Electric Grids.
- Heart in Armor — Halyna Vasylchenko, Acting Head of the Medical Unit of the 1st Mechanized Battalion, Military Unit A4741, Paramedic; and Trubnikova Anastasiia, Police Officer of the Evacuation Unit “White Angels” of the Kramatorsk District Police Department of the National Police in Donetsk Region.
- A Caring Heart — Lina Dub, Emergency Medical Services Paramedic at the Udachne ambulance substation.
- Resilience and Strength — Angelina Skachko, Project Manager at the NGO “Donetsk Regional Organization of Persons with Disabilities,” Head of the NGO “Donetsk Regional Organization ‘Future.’”
- Creator of Change and Opportunities — Liudmyla Huseinova, Head of the NGO “Numo, Sisters!”
- A Heart That Gives a Family — Viktoria Halavanova, Foster Mother at a Family-Type Children’s Home.
“UN Women supports women and girls in the most war-affected regions in the east of Ukraine. The women of Donetsk region embody the resilience and activism of Ukrainian women — their daily work inspires and leads others forward. The years of Russia’s full-scale invasion have clearly demonstrated their leading role across all spheres — from humanitarian response and volunteer efforts to human rights advocacy, security, and political leadership. Their leadership and resilience drive Ukraine’s gender-responsive recovery. Recognizing women’s contributions is a vital step toward advancing their rights and opportunities,” - said Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine.
Photos: UN Women/Yan Dobronosov
In recognition of UN Women’s significant contribution to strengthening the role of women and supporting the region during the full-scale Russian invasion, the UN Women Representative in Ukraine, Sabine Fraser Günesh, received the breast insignia “Badge of Honor” from the Donetsk Regional State Administration. The award was presented by the Head of the Regional State Administration and Head of the Regional Military Administration, Vadym Filashkin.
Photos: UN Women/Yan Dobronosov
Huge thanks to our amazing partners — Donetsk Regional Administration, NGO Slavic Heart, and the Governments of Sweden and Denmark.