"I stay here because I know I can change women's lives" — the story of Nataliia, a case manager from Dnipro

Nataliia, case manager at the Women’s Space Charitable Fund, based in the frontline city of Dnipro. July 2025.  Photo credit: UN Women Ukraine / Sofia Patricia Munoz Gonzalez

Nataliia was born in Georgia, but in the early 1990s, due to war, she and her family moved to Ukraine. Since then, she has lived in Dnipro. "I clearly remember how my parents built a new life from scratch. That’s why I understand women who have lost their homes because of the full-scale war and are forced to start everything over again," she shares. 

First Step Toward Change: The Role of a Case Manager

Today, Nataliia works as a case manager at the charity organization Women's Space. She is the first point of contact for women seeking help. Her job is to listen, support, provide information, and refer women to specialists or services that can assist them. This is the first step toward change.

"I work with women living with HIV, tuberculosis, disabilities, mothers with many children, single mothers, survivors of violence, and many other women in vulnerable situations. I know exactly how much it means just to feel that you are not left alone," she says.

Nataliia’s own story led her to humanitarian work. A close person found out about their HIV-positive status and was left alone with their problem. "No one helped her — neither doctors nor acquaintances. That turned my world upside down. I realized I wanted to be someone who would not leave people alone in such situations," she recalls.

Project Supporting Women During the War

Since the full-scale invasion began, her work has gained new meaning. Together with her colleagues, Nataliia implements a project supported by UN Women Ukraine and The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF). This project provides access to social and psychological assistance, such as social support, psychological and legal help.

Women also receive humanitarian aid — vouchers for food, medicine, and hygiene products.

Nataliia explains the importance of humanitarian support: "The women we work with are often in very difficult circumstances. This can be HIV, internally displaced person status, and situations of violence all at once. When we give out vouchers, they say, 'Finally, I can buy food or medicine that I haven’t been able to afford for a long time.' It’s touching and gives me strength to keep working."

Additionally, within the project, women can use microgrants to develop their own businesses or join self-help groups.

"Women there support each other so much that they continue communicating even outside the project. It’s a safe place where you are understood," Nataliia says.

Nataliia, case manager at Women’s Space Charitable Fund, with her colleague Olha, regional representative at Women’s Space, standing near their office in the frontline city of Dnipro. July 2025. Photo credit: UN Women Ukraine / Sofia Patricia Munoz Gonzalez

An important part of Nataliia’s work is informing women about their rights. "It makes me happy when a woman says, 'I know what the National Health Service of Ukraine is and why it’s important to know your rights.' Because it means she is already one step closer to independence," she notes.

Within this project alone, she has provided over 130 consultations. Each one is an opportunity to change someone’s life.

Staying and Helping Despite the Danger

Despite constant missile strikes and air raid alerts, Nataliia stays in front-line Dnipro. She is motivated by her parents, who do not want to evacuate, and by work she cannot leave behind. "There are many internally displaced women here. I stay because I know my actions make a difference. Not immediately, not on a huge scale, but they do change something," she explains.

When days are especially hard, Nataliia reminds herself to take care of her own well-being: "I am a woman and a mother. I am needed not only by the women I help but also by my daughter."

She draws strength from conversations with friends, coffee, sports, and the mountains.

"Once I felt my mental health was on the edge. But as part of our project supported by UN Women and WPHF, we, the NGO staff, had a retreat in the Carpathians. There were mountains, silence, support, and therapeutic sessions with a psychologist. I realized — this is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Because how can I help others if I am exhausted myself?" Nataliia shares.

Motivation — Daughter and Small Victories

When asked what motivates her to get up and keep working every morning, Nataliia answers: "My daughter. She is 18. She went through COVID-19, is going through the war, but despite everything, she helps others. Maybe she takes after me."

A small victory for Nataliia was her first vacation in 10 years. And also — she started driving a car again.

"I want women to know: they are not alone. It only takes one step — and we will be there. I work with my heart. And I feel with my heart that this work is needed," Nataliia says.

She is concerned about ensuring humanitarian support in Ukraine does not diminish: "Today this support has decreased, funding is often cut, and the needs in a country at war with Russia are only growing. A woman who has suffered violence, is HIV-positive, or has a disability cannot wait. She needs help now."

Finally, Nataliia shares what hope means to her: "It is a goal. It is the certainty that there will be a tomorrow. And that together we can make it better."

The project Feminine Power! is implemented by the charity organization Women's Space, funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine. 

The views and opinions expressed in this text are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of UN Women, the organizations, or donors supporting the project.