'Do not be afraid and be confident! Confidence is an essential component of success.': key highlights from the conversation with Sabine Freizer Gunes during the official opening ceremony of the 'Progresiya' project

'Do not be afraid and be confident! Confidence is an essential component of success.' During the official opening ceremony of the 'Progresiya' project, advice was given to the second cohort of participants by Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Ukraine Representative. The conversation with Ms.Freizer Gunes was conducted an informal 30-minute conversation, facilitated by the head of the NGO 'Pislyazavtra' and the author of the 'Progresiya' project, Iryna Rubis. 

At this event Ms. Freizer Gunes shared core milestones of her life and career, thoughts on her most critical life decisions and choices, and her diverse experience in promoting women's leadership and economic empowerment.  

'As a teenager, I decided that I would work on an international level. I grew up in New York, but my parents were from different countries, so my choice to build an international career, work in different countries, and have freedom was quite natural. I came to Ukraine in February 2023 and decided I needed to be here to support Ukrainian women. I see it as an opportunity and a privilege to focus on this region during such important historical times.' Ms.Freizer Gunes noted.  

Female leaders and activists during the official opening ceremony of the 'Progresiya' project. Photo by NGO 'Pislyazavtra'

Ms.Freizer Gunes emphasized that what inspires her the most is the opportunity to learn from the women she works with. She finds it empowering to see how women, whether as young girls or mature adults, claim their power, strengthen their resilience, solidarity, and self-organization.  It is no coincidence that she considers the slogan of her life to be: 'Women can do it!'

Ms.Freizer Gunes's openness, motivation, energy, and enthusiasm inspired participants. The number of questions and the level of discussion could have easily tripled the time planned for, leaving the audience engaged and excited. 
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The project 'Progressiya' is implemented by NGO 'Pislyazavtra', funded by The United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. The United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) mobilizes critical support for local and grassroots civil society organizations working on women, peace, security and humanitarian action. WPHF is a flexible and rapid financing mechanism supporting quality interventions designed to enhance the capacity of women to prevent conflict, respond to crises and emergencies, and seize key peacebuilding opportunities.