“Education is children’s contribution to Victory”: the story of Romaniya Shymkiv, lawyer, civic activist, and graduate of the Women’s Power programme

Photo: from the personal archive of Romaniya

“Studying is what children can do today for the recovery of the country. Education is their contribution to Victory. And if we don’t give them the basics now — a notebook, a book, attention — we will lose not only a generation but also the chance for a better country,” says Romaniya Shymkiv, lawyer, civic activist, and head of the department for decision-making on the appointment of social benefits at the Truskavets City Council’s Department of Labor and Social Protection.

Last year, Romaniya marked 20 years of continuous service in state and local government. But above all, she says she is proud that during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she found a new meaning — being there for those who need it most.

Humanitarian initiative: supporting children from vulnerable families

With the support of the Women’s Power programme, Romaniya together with the NGO Kebeta implemented an initiative to purchase and distribute stationery and school supplies for 100 children aged 5–14 from socially vulnerable families living in the rural settlements of the Truskavets community. The community has hosted over 13,000 internally displaced persons, and its population has almost doubled. Hundreds of families found themselves on the verge of survival, often without access to education, digital tools, or basic social support.

“In such families, priorities are often food, firewood, a roof over their heads. Children’s education is postponed, especially during wartime. And later — it’s too late,” she explains.

“I believe that the greatest obstacle to the success and prosperity of the country, and thus of its citizens, is corruption. Corruption, like a Russian missile, destroys roads, shatters the facades and roofs of schools and hospitals. It prevents society from changing its socio-legal relations and from building genuine democratic values. Corruption in medicine kills. Corruption in education cements an outdated, unjust system. And everyday corruption generates distrust, disappointment, and indifference,” Romaniya Shymkiv is convinced.

Each child received not only a school supply set but also a book On Rights and Duties — simple, accessible, yet meaningful. “Because if a child understands what law, dignity, and rights are — they already see themselves and their country differently,” Romaniya adds.

Women’s leadership through community

In addition to the humanitarian project, as part of the programme Romaniya organized a resourceful and motivating networking meeting of women from the community to mark the 140th anniversary of the Ukrainian women’s movement.

“We invited activists, volunteers, business leaders, and representatives of local self-government. And each had the opportunity to share her story,” she recalls. “Women from the same village were learning about each other for the first time. We built horizontal connections, which today matter more than official structures.”

The event format was inspired by the Women’s Power programme’s practices and became a strong start for new women’s solidarity in Truskavets.

Through contacts gained during the programme and collaboration with other participants, humanitarian supplies were delivered to stabilization points in Sloviansk and Druzhkivka, as well as to Zaporizhzhia region.

“Contacts from the programme are not just acquaintances. They are a joint effort that already works.”

Advice for women in Ukraine

“Be proactive. Don’t be afraid. Support not those who have status, but those who have need. When implementing initiatives, involve many stakeholders — state institutions, communities, businesses, volunteers. This is women’s leadership — action, not a title.”

The Women’s Power programme, founded in 2022, has brought together more than 220 local women’s organizations, government bodies, and businesses for joint responses to challenges. A total of 124 initiatives have been implemented, meeting the critical needs of more than 100,000 people across different regions of Ukraine. The Women’s Power network aims to strengthen cooperation between civil society, government, and business, address humanitarian challenges, build the skills and cohesion of women leaders and their teams, and enhance the resilience of the civilian population.

“Women of communities, government, and business are united in the struggle for independence, freedom, truth, and dignity. Ukrainian women are a reliable humanitarian backbone and the foundation of Ukraine’s recovery,” says Daria Mustafina, founder of the programme and director of the NGO Institute for Partnership and Sustainable Development.

The WOMEN’S POWER 2024–25 project is implemented by the Institute for Partnership and Sustainable Development, funded by The United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) with technical support of UN Women Ukraine.

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.