In November 2025, at the National Forum on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace, Security”, an exhibition of paintings dedicated to Resolution 1325 and sister resolutions was presented. The paintings were painted by highly respected ambassadors, representatives and representatives of government bodies, international and public organizations, veterans, and members of military families. Then, for more than a month, these works were exhibited in the premises of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, drawing attention to the importance of the “Women, Peace, Security” agenda.
In 2026, the art campaign spread to the regional level. The creation of the painting 1325 of Donetsk Oblast was supported by the Deputy Head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration Oleksandr Shevchenko and the Head of the Secretariat of the Coalition 1325, the leader of the NGO Smarta Liliya Kislitsyna. Professional assistance was provided by an artist from Sloviansk Olha Savenko.
In the center of the composition is the tree of life with the coat of arms of the region on the ceiling, which has become a symbol of the stability of Donetsk Oblast, its revival and future. Around it are women of various professions, who personify the participation of women in protection, community support, decision-making and restoration of peace.
There are many “meaningful” flowers here. Iris as a symbol of military valor, strength, courage, its leaves resemble a sword. Violets, which determine high knowledge and achievements. Poppy as a symbol of memory. Our Ukrainian viburnums and sunflowers are hope and life. And, of course, the Donetsk rose as a symbol of our home, return and restoration.
Our present is “entwined” in the roots of the tree: war, destruction and suffering of the civilian population, in particular mothers and children. And its crown holds the peaceful life of the Donetsk region – our past and our future: generous nature, a powerful economy and… our sea, our Azov.
This painting symbolically reflects the role of women in building peace and restoring the Donetsk region in accordance with the principles of Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace, Security”. It makes a complex topic accessible for perception in the language of art.
The painting was created with the support of the Ukrainian Women’s Fund, the governments of Great Britain, the Netherlands and Canada and with the assistance of the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy.