Four stories of strength: How support for women IDPs changes communities and lives

Local activists and project coordinators from nine communities in the Lviv region at the training “Effective tools for cooperation with local self-government bodies in the field of gender-responsive governance,” 2025. Photo: provided by the Women’s Perspectives Center

The full-scale war of Russia against Ukraine forced thousands of women to leave their homes in search of safe shelter. Many of them found it in the Lviv region. Here, amid challenges and new beginnings, the power of the female voice was revived. Thanks to the project titled “Advocacy support for internally displaced women in Lviv region” (Women’s New Horizons) initiated by UN Women in partnership with the Women’s Perspectives Center, internally displaced women found support, hope, and the opportunity to change their lives and communities.

For two and a half years, the project team worked together to build dialogue, create spaces of trust and influence, and, most importantly, change the approach to supporting IDPs—from humanitarian aid to sustainable development and participation in decision-making.

These are the stories about courage, solidarity, and true transformation.

Lesia Bilska, Novoiavorivsk: A space where trust is born

Lesia Bilska (right) is a coordinator of the project “Advocacy support for internally displaced women in Lviv region” in Novoiavorivsk community, director of the Novoiavorivsk Local History Museum, and representative of the public organization Hostynets. Photo: courtesy of the Women’s Perspectives Center

When women with children began arriving in Novoiavorivsk, Lesia Bilska, a local activist and museum director, realized these people needed not only humanitarian aid but also a space where they could trust again. Together with the Hostynets public organization, she joined the project and launched a series of meetings that grew into a real ecosystem of support.

The most powerful format was mutual support groups. Here, through shared conversations, workshops, and creativity, trust was born between people who had never met before. One such story is Olena Horin from Mariupol: emotionally exhausted, with two children, and her husband captured. In the group, she found the strength not only to speak but also to act. She began decorating gingerbread, received a grant, and opened her own business. Her example showed others that even in the darkest times, a path to the light can be found.

Lesia Bilska admits the project changed her as well: “I learned a lot about advocacy, working with women, and the true power of trust. But the most valuable thing is the connections that arose between us. I felt that together we are creating a space where a woman is not left alone with her pain.”

Anna Abliamitova, Skole: Changing is not scary

Anna Abliamitova is a coordinator of the project “Advocacy support for internally displaced women in Lviv region” in Skole community, a public activist, tour guide, and communications manager. Photo: courtesy of the Women’s Perspectives Center

Anna is a doctor from Melitopol. After moving to Skole, she tried to find herself in new circumstances. Working in the hospital did not bring a sense of fulfillment, but volunteering within the same project became a turning point for her.

Anna quickly became a coordinator, underwent training, started her own business, and initiated the creation of a resource group for women. This place became a refuge for those seeking understanding and support. Later, a physical activity group appeared, and even later, a public organization that today supports IDPs in the community.

“I realized that it’s never too late to change. The main thing is not to stay isolated,” shares Anna. 

Nataliia Titiiova, Zhovkva: From personal experience to helping others

Nataliia Titiiova is a coordinator of the project “Advocacy support for internally displaced women in Lviv region” in Zhovkva community, a public activist. Photo: courtesy of the Women’s Perspectives Center

Nataliia knows what it is like to be an IDP. She left home in 2014. Therefore, when new IDPs arrived in Zhovkva, she unhesitatingly became the project coordinator. Together with artist Olena Koroliova, who is also an IDP, they conducted art therapy sessions in mutual support groups, which became a place of healing.

The meetings inspired participants not only to paint but also to talk. As a result, the exhibition titled “Beauty Created by Hands” appeared, demonstrating the power of women’s creativity during the war. Nataliia grew from an activist to a leader, headed the IDP Council, and helped women become visible in community life.

“My greatest reward is to see how women who were once lost now organize events themselves and support others,” she says.

Anastasiia Pyrohova, Sambir: From psychotherapy to digital solutions

Anastasiia Pyrohova is a coordinator of the project “Advocacy support for internally displaced women in Lviv region” in Sambir community, a psychotherapist. Photo: courtesy of the Women’s Perspectives Center

Anastasia moved to Sambir from Zaporizhzhia and sought ways to combine her profession as a psychotherapist with the needs of the community. She saw in the project the opportunity not only to help women personally but also to create support tools that would work permanently.

She launched training for businesses, opened a private practice, and initiated the creation of a roadmap for IDPs, which formed the basis for a chatbot with up-to-date information for newcomers. Her experience is an example of how individual expertise can work for the benefit of the community.

Anastasiia emphasizes: “The greatest strength of the project is how women who experienced loss and pain united, supported each other, and step by step rebuilt their lives, creating new opportunities and finding a new home in the community.”

The project “Advocacy support for internally displaced women in Lviv region” is a testament to how joint efforts, mutual support, and an active stance can change reality for the better. During the project, we provided 2,670 humanitarian packages, conducted over 470 consultations of various types, organized 80 dialogue meetings, and supported the creation of 2 new public organizations initiated by women. More than 220 women strengthened their economic capacity, and more than 260 participants completed training in leadership, safety, and communication. This experience inspires us to continue working for equality, safety, and dignity for every woman facing difficult life circumstances.

This article is prepared within the framework of UN Women’s project “Transformative approaches to achieving gender equality in Ukraine” with financial support from Sweden, and in cooperation with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.