Roma Women During the War: Support, Leadership, and New Opportunities

Zhuzhuna Duduchava, Head of the NGO “Romani Zbora,” knows what it means to flee from war—her family experienced the conflict in Abkhazia in the 1990s. Vira Dranhoi, Deputy Head of the NGO “KyRS,” knows what it means not to be heard because of being Roma. These experiences have shaped the work they do today. 

Both work with Roma women and girls in Odesa. Zhuzhuna established a center where internally displaced women can access temporary accommodation, humanitarian and psychological support, and gradually adapt to a new life. Together with the team of the NGO “Kherson City Association of Young Roma ‘KURS,’” Vira is strengthening the organization from within—enhancing management capacities, improving internal processes, and building a foundation for long-term work with Roma women and girls.

With the support of UN Women Ukraine and the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), they continue this work amid Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has disproportionately affected women who already faced discrimination and inequality. Their stories highlight both challenges and resilience. 

“People need a space where they can feel calm”: How Zhuzhuna Duduchava created a safe space for displaced Roma women 

Zhuzhuna Duduchava grew up in an artistic environment and became an Honoured Artist of Ukraine and a singer. At the same time, she has been engaged in civic work for over twenty years. In 2002, she founded the NGO “Romani Zbora,” which works with the Roma community in Odesa and the surrounding region. 

When Roma families who had fled their homes began arriving in Odesa in March 2022, it became clear that many had nowhere to stay. Initially, people stayed with relatives, but small apartments often had to accommodate several large families. There was a lack of space, quiet, and even basic privacy. 

“It was clear that people needed a separate space—not just somewhere to spend the night, but a place where they could catch their breath, feel a sense of calm, and begin to recover step by step,” Zhuzhuna says. 

In response, the temporary accommodation centre “Contribution to the Future” was established in 2024. It is open to all internally displaced persons, including Roma women and girls. Located in a former hotel building, the centre offers living rooms, meals, language and computer courses, creative activities, and safety sessions. Importantly, residents are not separated by background—all live together.  

Zhuzhuna Duduchava at an event at the temporary accommodation centre “Contribution to the Future,” January 2026. Photo: NGO “Romani Zbora” / Volodymyr Makukha

With support from UN Women and WPHF, the centre has provided temporary shelter and basic assistance to 160 internally displaced persons. An additional 110 individuals received psychological and legal support, with over 2,000 consultations delivered in total. 

“Women are gradually gaining a better understanding of their rights and feel more confident in matters of safety. They receive psychological support that helps restore their internal well-being, and over time they take steps towards greater independence and rebuilding their lives within their communities,” Zhuzhuna explains. 

“I wanted my voice to be heard”: How Vira Dranhoi supports Roma women in claiming their rights 

Vira Dranhoi did not choose human rights work by chance. As a child, she experienced discrimination due to her identity. “I wanted my voice to be heard, and to be able to stand up for myself and my family,” she says. This motivated her to pursue a legal education and work to protect the rights of the Roma community. 
 

Vira Dranhoi, Deputy Head of the NGO “KURS.” Photo: from personal archive

During her studies, she became involved in civic activism and later combined human rights work with humanitarian assistance—helping people with documentation, access to social benefits, and essential services.

Russia’s full-scale invasion intensified the challenges she had been addressing for years. 

“The war has only deepened the challenges that the Roma community had already been facing. Poverty, socio-economic hardship, and discrimination have not disappeared—they have become even more visible,” she notes. 

In 2024, Vira joined the NGO “Kherson City Association of Young Roma ‘KYRS,’” as Deputy Head—an organization that continues its work in Odesa after relocating from Kherson. With support from UN Women and WPHF, the team is strengthening its institutional capacity through training in financial and crisis management, improving internal processes, and advancing strategic development. The organization also maintains an office that serves as a space for work and for engagement with Roma women and girls. 

“We are very grateful to have such a space where people can come and express their views. It is a safe environment where women and girls can be heard and do not fear judgment,” Vira says.   

Tangible results are already visible: “When girls believe in themselves, become leaders, and overcome the fear of speaking publicly—that is what we work for,” she adds. 

Zhuzhuna and Vira are different, each with her own story. Yet their work shares a common purpose: they are building what they themselves once lacked—a space where Roma women feel safe, are heard, and are able to move forward.