At the Ukrainian Women’s Congress held in Vinnytsia, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Kateryna Maternova delivered a powerful address emphasizing the vital role of women in strengthening communities and advancing towards European integration.
Maternova shared a personal story about receiving a $500 check from an American woman she had never met, inspired by a podcast where Maternova discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine. The ambassador highlighted the hardships faced by Ukrainians, particularly women, who endure extreme conditions without basic necessities like electricity and heating.
She introduced the story of Halyna, who transformed her life through an EU-supported training program. Two years ago, Halyna was unemployed and lacked direction. Now, she runs her own business, pays taxes, and has a promising future.
Another example is Oleksandra, who lost everything when she fled her home in the Kherson region. Despite her struggles, she found a new path through a women’s employment program and opened a café, providing a space for people to reconnect with life.
Maternova noted that these stories reflect the impact of targeted investments and solidarity from the EU. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the EU has allocated over 14 million euros to support women in Ukraine, focusing on economic empowerment, leadership, protection from gender-based violence, and participation in decision-making.
Additionally, 8.5 million euros are being prepared to further enhance women’s roles in rebuilding and securing Ukraine. Maternova emphasized that women are not just victims of war; they are architects of recovery.
She concluded her speech by reiterating the importance of solidarity among women across borders, sharing her commitment to match the American woman’s donation to support those in need, symbolizing unity and collaboration.
The Ukrainian Women’s Congress, established in 2017, serves as a national platform for promoting gender equality in Ukraine. Its efforts have led to significant policy changes, including the repeal of bans on certain professions for women and the introduction of gender quotas in elections.
At the Ukrainian Women's Congress, EU Ambassador Kateryna Maternova emphasized the critical role of women in community resilience and recovery efforts in Ukraine. She shared inspiring stories of women who have transformed their lives through EU-supported programs, highlighting ongoing support and investment for women's empowerment in the country.
Source: Ukrainian Pravda