The Sixth Women in Arts Award 2025 Ceremony Took Place in Kyiv: The Most Influential Women Artists of the Year Honored
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Laureates of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
On July 1, 2025, the sixth Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance ceremony took place in Kyiv. Women in Arts is an annual independent award that recognizes the contributions of Ukrainian women in the fields of culture and art. This year’s ceremony was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine as part of the Women in Diplomacy and Arts event, which brought together cultural diplomacy and women’s leadership in times of war.
This year’s award laureates are:
Women in Cultural Management: Natalia Ivanova
Women in Performing Arts: Nina Khyzhna
Women in Literature: Olena Herasymiuk
Women in Visual Arts: Hanna Hidora
Women in Cultural Journalism, Criticism, and Research: Yuliia Manukian
Women in Music: Maryna Krut
Women in Film: Oksana Karpovych
Special Mention: Valeriia Subotina ("Nava")
This year, the Women in Arts Award was held under the motto "Unwavering Faith." It is this faith that sustains those who create during the most difficult times. This marks the third ceremony held during Russia’s full-scale invasion and serves as further evidence that Ukrainian culture is unbreakable.
The ceremony was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and was tied to the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. This synergy highlights the significance of cultural diplomacy in Ukraine’s international representation. Today, Ukrainian women artists not only create art but also serve as the voice of the country on the global stage.
“Today, we honor not only women’s contributions to diplomacy and international relations. We also recognize the vital role women play in shaping Ukraine’s modern image around the world, defending human rights, culture, and justice, even during times of war. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine continues to actively promote gender equality and create the best opportunities for women in the Ukrainian diplomatic service. I am proud of every woman I have the honor to work with for our shared victory,” stated Mariana Betsa, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“We are honored to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ukrainian Institute, UNESCO, and the Government of Sweden to promote gender equality in diplomacy and the arts. Since its launch in 2019, the Women in Arts Award has celebrated the extraordinary achievements of Ukrainian women and inspired future leaders. In the face of war and adversity, Ukrainian women demonstrate remarkable resilience, courage, and determination across all areas of life. Their leadership and creativity illuminate a path toward recovery and hope. Today, we honor their indomitable spirit and solemnly remember those who have lost their lives to Russian aggression. At UN Women, we recognize the progress made and the urgent need to support women’s leadership as Ukraine rebuilds. Their full participation is vital to creating a just, peaceful, and inclusive society,” said Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine.
“It is a great joy and honour for me to serve as the curator of the Women in Arts award for the fifth time. It is a significant achievement and a true value of ours that the circle of solidarity and support we are building continues to grow and strengthen. Now, as we go through many losses and difficult experiences, sisterhood becomes a firm source of support,” said Tetyana Filevska, creative director of the Ukrainian Institute.
The Women in Arts Award was established in 2019 by the Ukrainian Institute and UN Women in Ukraine. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, it has become a symbol of resistance, strength, and the visibility of women in culture. Even during the darkest times, it continues to support women artists who create, document, reflect, and inspire, often at the risk of their own lives. In 2025, UNESCO joined the partnership, emphasizing the global importance of cultural resistance and the role of women in preserving heritage, artistic freedom, and international solidarity.
Over the past six years, the Women in Arts Award has recognized 45 laureates in various cultural fields, including music, literature, management, and criticism. Each year, dozens of nominees are shortlisted by an expert council from among hundreds of applications from across the country. The award has firmly established itself as a prestigious cultural recognition and a platform for public dialogue on the role of women in arts and culture during wartime.
The Women in Arts Award 2025 was held with the support of the Ukrainian Institute, UN Women in Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, UNESCO, and the Government of Sweden.
Media partners of the event: Suspilne Kultura, Radio Kultura, Marie Claire Ukraine, Starlight Media.
Natalia Ivanova, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in cultural management". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Oksana Karpovych, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in Film". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Yuliia Manukian, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in Cultural Journalism, Criticism, and Research". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Olena Herasymiuk, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in Literature". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Maryna Krut, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in Music". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Nina Khyzhna, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in Performing Arts". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Hanna Hidora, a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Women in Visual Arts". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine
Valeriia Subotina ("Nava"), a laureate of the Women in Arts Award 2025.The Resistance in the nomination "Special Mention". Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine