Women for Women International Response to War in Ukraine

Two months since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, more than 11 million people have fled their homes. 90% of the nearly 5 million people seeking refuge in neighbouring countries are women and children as most of the men have stayed behind to fight the war. The besieged port city of Mariupol has faced relentless bombardment by Russian forces killing thousands of civilians and forcing many more to flee.  

Through our sister organisation, Žene za Žene International, we have identified one of our first priority partners on the ground, “Bereginia” – Mariupol’s Women’s Association. A part of their team escaped the incessant bombing in Mariupol, one of whom is their Vice President, Kateryna. Our team met with her in Poland where she shared her harrowing 72-hour journey of fleeing from Mariupol.

Kateryna shared how the survivors that were evacuated from Mariupol spent weeks in shelters and cellars without access to water, heating or food and are severely traumatized from their experience. Some of the women have been raped and subjected to sexual violence.  

Through Berginia and HumanDoc Foundation in Poland, we are working to provide holistic and comprehensive care to 320 women and children evacuated from Mariupol. Services include a safe space for their rehabilitation, medical care including psychological and gynaecological consultations with doctors.  

Beyond their immediate critical needs, as they begin to adapt to a new life in a new country with their children, we are also looking to provide them with legal counsel, access to Polish language learning courses and vocational skills so they can become financially independent. 

For media enquiries please contact Paulina Stachnik at pstachnik@womenforwomen.org.