From Displacement to Empowerment: Stories of resilience of Ukrainian women in Moldova

For many, the past year has been a time of upheaval, displacement, and loss. Yet, despite the challenges they have faced, these women are emerging as a new generation of Ukrainians: resilient, strong, and determined to build a better future.

For Svetlana from Odesa, the decision to leave her home with her two children was a difficult one, but it also brought newfound strength and resilience. "I was scared and lost, but in the process, I became a new person," she says. "Now I know that I am well equipped to handle whatever life throws my way."

The war has forced many successful women like Marina to leave their comfort zones in search of safety for their families. "It wasn’t easy to learn to ask for help and we are so grateful for the support we received," she says. "The war taught us the importance of relying on each other, building connections and being grateful for the kindness of others."

For Marina, explaining the war to her children has been a heart-wrenching experience. "They ask questions that I don't have the answers to - why did grandma stay back? When will we be able to return home? What happened to our house? It breaks my heart to see the confusion and uncertainty in their eyes," she says. "But I try to reassure them that we are safe now and we will get through this together." 

Despite the challenges, Marina and her family have undergone a fundamental shift in their identity. "We are now part of a new generation, myself and my children - a strong generation that is focused on building a better future for our nation and our people," she says.

One year into the war, the challenges of rebuilding the country remain daunting. Yulya, also from Odesa, a mother of two children, understands the magnitude of this goal, “Time moves on and some who fled in search of safety have started new lives, found jobs, and created families in new countries,” she says. "Stories are different, however the ambition is the same for all – to contribute to our country’s economy wherever we are." 

“We have a saying that “We went to sleep on 23 February but прокинулися 24 лютого [UKR: ‘woke up on 24 February]”, all women said in unison switching to Ukrainian language.  

“Something special happened,” says Alla.  “The war destroyed half of our country, but it couldn't destroy our spirit and only renewed our sense of national identity.”

This new generation of Ukrainian women is marked by their resilience, strength, and determination. They have learned to adapt to new challenges and to find opportunities where others see only obstacles. They are creative, resourceful, and capable of overcoming even the most difficult of circumstances.

Despite the hardships they have faced, these women remain hopeful for the future. In times of uncertainty, they have a clear plan to return, give back and build back better.

As Alla added, "We suddenly no longer dwell on the past anymore. Instead, we look towards the future with ambition and determination. Whether we are at home or in a new country, we will stay united and contribute to building a better future for ourselves and for Ukraine."

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The UNFPA Safe Space in Chisinau is a place where these refugee women and their adolescents get together and build connections. The place serves as a hub for women’s health referrals and information.  Here, they receive support and counseling, and get information on specialized services related to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health.