In the words of Vira Biriuk: "Even just going outside was terrifying, because strangers scared me"

Vira Biriuk, a 33-year-old Ukrainian woman from Kyiv, resumed active civic and professional life after being freed from Russian captivity, thanks to her participation in the Women For The Future initiative mentorship program. Photo: courtesy of Vira Biriuk

When Vira joined the Women For The Future mentorship program, she faced two key challenges: reintegration into society and finding employment. After a year of isolation in Russian captivity, even something as simple as stepping outside felt overwhelming. "You need to live for something and provide for your children. However, after being in a closed space for a year, it becomes extremely difficult to integrate and start interacting with people again. It was hard even to go outside. Strangers scared me."

At first, Vira had serious doubts about her job prospects. "I didn’t believe anything would come of it. Who would want to hire someone who is afraid to talk to people?"

As part of the mentorship program, Vira regularly completed assignments given by her mentor, which helped improve her communication skills, clarify her career goals, and ultimately prepare her for re-entering the workforce. "My mentor gave me tasks that required me to interact with strangers, and my husband constantly supported me, saying I could do it." Through consistent work on herself, she gradually gained confidence and prepared for employment. "I did everything. I made phone calls, talked to people, and at the same time learned how to write a CV and went through job interviews."

With the help of her mentor, Vira identified her new professional path — working with NGOs that support Ukrainians who have survived captivity. "There are very few specialists who work effectively with this group. I saw that firsthand. Civilians returning from captivity often struggle to find help without external support, and they can’t manage it alone. I want to change that."

During the mentorship program, Vira also began to re-engage in civic and professional activities. She became a member of the NGO Numo, Sestry!, which supports women affected by war and conflict-related sexual violence. She joined the Ambassadors of Peaceful Change project by the NGO Smarta as a participant and signed a memorandum of cooperation. Vira was featured as a guest in a television report about captivity experiences. She began actively supporting people recently released from captivity.

"The invitation to join Numo, Sestry! was unexpected, but I realized it was a chance to make people aware of what really happens in captivity. We cannot remain silent. And because I came back, I must speak for those who are still there. They need to come back, too."

Currently, Vira is actively working on her professional development: "My current career goal is to enter university to study Social Work, so I can eventually work in case management."

She also continues to support those in captivity: "I’m already writing letters to prisoners I know personally and sending them essential items whenever I can. But the main goal is bringing all captives, both military and civilians, home."

To conclude, Vira shares her short-term plans: "Soon I plan to take courses in business Ukrainian language, and artificial intelligence. I’m also growing my TikTok page and will start doing live streams soon."

Although Vira has not yet secured formal employment, she is much closer to that goal and continues her journey, choosing action even in difficult times. "I sincerely advise all Ukrainian women not to lose hope when returning to professional life after any kind of pause. You never know where or when you’ll find your dream job or opportunities that could completely change your life for the better."

This publication has been created as part of the Women For The Future initiative, which is implemented by Happy Monday (NGO "Professionals of the Future") within the UN Women project titled "Transformational Approaches to Achieving Gender Equality in Ukraine." This project is funded by the Government of Sweden and is in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration. Financial support for the initiative is also provided by the Government of France.