Iryna Popovska – A Leader Changing the Lives of Children with Disabilities

Photo: from the personal archive of Iryna Popovska

In times of war and economic crisis, Ukrainian women are not only holding their families together — they are becoming powerful agents of change. One such woman is Iryna Popovska, founder and director of the charitable foundation I Dream to Live. Since 2014, her organization has supported children with disabilities, advocating for equal opportunities and dignified lives.

Iryna is a graduate of the WOMEN’S POWER programme — a grant and education initiative that unites and empowers women leaders from civil society, local government, and business to address humanitarian challenges and advance inclusive recovery in their communities.

Dreaming of Change

“Every child deserves a chance at a happy childhood,” says Iryna. That belief fuels her foundation’s mission — to ensure access to education and development for children with disabilities and from low-income families. One of the flagship initiatives is “School Dream”, a project that provides children with school essentials like backpacks and supplies ahead of each academic year.

In 2024, the initiative was supported by the WOMEN’S POWER programme. It reached 120 children with disabilities in Kyiv and the region — many of whom lost their homes due to the war. More than just material aid, this project restores confidence and dignity to families on the edge of survival.

Response During Wartime

Russia’s full-scale invasion reshaped the work of many organizations. But for Iryna and her team, the war became a reason to do more. “We continue supporting children and families — not only materially, but emotionally. The war changed our lives, but it didn’t stop us,” she says. Today, “School Dream” is a lifeline. It doesn’t just equip kids for school — it helps their families feel seen and supported in the hardest of times.

Lasting Community Impact

The results go far beyond one backpack. “This support was a lifesaver,” one mother says. “We couldn’t afford what my daughter needed. Now she’ll go to school ready.” For children with disabilities, it’s a message: You matter. You’re not alone. Your future is worth investing in.

Looking Ahead

Iryna is not stopping. Her vision: a country where every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. Beyond “School Dream,” she plans to launch comprehensive support programmes — including educational events, psychological services, and an online platform for families to access learning resources and virtual workshops from anywhere in Ukraine.

Women Driving Global Change

Iryna is part of a growing global movement: over 60% of NGOs worldwide are now led by women (UN, 2024–25). In Ukraine, women are a driving force in education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid — yet face barriers to leadership. Only 30% of leadership roles in Ukrainian civil society are held by women.

Iryna’s story shows how one woman’s action can uplift an entire community — especially its most vulnerable.

WOMEN’S POWER Programme: United for Change

Since its launch in 2022, the WOMEN’S POWER programme has brought together over 220 local women’s organizations, authorities, and businesses across Ukraine. In 2024, it supported 150 grassroots teams, delivered 52 local initiatives, and addressed urgent humanitarian needs of 6,828 people.

The 2024–2025 phase is implemented by the Institute for Partnership and Sustainable Development with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funding from the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF).

“Women from communities, government, and business stand united — for independence, freedom, truth, and dignity. Ukrainian women are the backbone of the humanitarian response and the foundation of recovery.”  — Daria Mustafina, Founder of WOMEN’S POWER and Director of the Institute for Partnership and Sustainable Development

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 do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.