Overcoming Fears: The Story of a Woman Who Dared to Start Over

The war shattered Oksana Posternak’s life into a thousand pieces—her hometown of Veletenske in Kherson was occupied, she endured a difficult evacuation, constant relocations, the destruction of her home by enemy shelling, and the inability to return. Having lost everything, she was left with pain and emptiness. But one thing remained unchanged—her talent for creativity. She never imagined that her hobby could become her profession. 

Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Oksana attended events organized by the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development, where she found support and a sisterhood. It was there, during a workshop, that she created her first decorative doll—a Scandinavian gnome. This craft captivated her for years. 

Returning to a normal life after the war began was impossible, so when she saw an announcement about a vocational training program within the Enhancing the Capacities of Women in Kherson project, Oksana decided to participate. 

"I want to grow, to earn an income, to overcome my fears, to do what I love, and to learn how to sell my gnomes. If not now, then when?" she says. 

She joined online meetings, followed expert advice on social media, and received several individual psychological counseling sessions. Over time, she realized that her fears were just assumptions, not reality. Oksana learned to replace negative thoughts with positive and rational ones. 

One day, she made a decision: no more fear! After all, her army of gnomes was growing rapidly. At first, she gifted her dolls to loved ones who had scattered across the world. But then, her children helped her make her first sale via social media. That was the turning point—she finally believed in herself. 

From that moment on, Oksana started sharing her story and showcasing her gnomes on social media. Orders soon followed. People saw more than just decorative dolls in her work—they saw symbols of resilience and dedication. 

"I never thought that, at my age, I could start a new business and become successful. When I first began, my self-esteem was at rock bottom. I felt unworthy of success and feared that people would mock my work. But thanks to the support of psychologist Inna and other women in the project, I was able to understand myself better, overcome my fears and doubts. The women's support group meetings became invaluable to me. In that atmosphere, I realized that my struggles weren’t unique and that together, we can overcome anything. 

I am grateful to be part of the Enhancing the Capacities of Women in Kherson project. It gave me the courage to believe in myself and my abilities. Now, I’m no longer afraid to openly talk about my work and sell my gnomes. This is my small victory, and I sincerely encourage all women and girls who doubt themselves to take even a small step forward—towards change," says Oksana. 

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"The Enhancing the Capacities of Women in Kherson" project is implemented by the Bilozerskyi Center for Regional Development in partnership with International Alert, and 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 and 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. 

This publication is produced with funding from the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), however, the views expressed and content included does not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.