On October 7–8, Kyiv hosted the Third Congress of Women of Donetsk Region under the slogan “From the challenges of today to the vision of tomorrow.” The event was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace, and Security.”
The event brought together representatives of Donetsk region communities, government bodies, the security and defense sector, international and public organizations, diplomatic missions, business, and the media. The event was organized by the Donetsk Regional State Administration, the NGO SMARTA, and the Donetsk Region Coalition 1325, with support from UN Women in Ukraine and financial support from the governments of Sweden and Denmark.
During the Congress, discussion panels were held on the implementation of Action Plan 1325 in the region, women's leadership, and the vision for the future of Donetsk region. Participants reviewed the results of monitoring the implementation of the Second Congress resolution and formulated proposals for an updated Congress resolution in nine areas, ranging from security and the economy to social inclusion and countering information threats.
"Today's Congress is not just an event. It is a consistent process: from setting tasks to monitoring, from analysis to forming new guidelines. We are not just responding to challenges – we are forming a roadmap for the future, where women and men will have equal opportunities to be drivers of change," emphasized Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration.
“Ukrainian women are at the heart of humanitarian response and gender-responsive recovery in Ukraine. I would like to commend your courage and leadership, which are shaping the future not only of the region but of Ukraine as a whole,” emphasized Matthias Schmale, UN System Coordinator in Ukraine.
"It is very symbolic that this Congress is taking place exactly 25 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 ‘Women, Peace and Security’, to which Ukraine is directly related. This Resolution emphasizes the key role of women in establishing and maintaining peace, as well as in overcoming the challenges brought about by war and conflict," commented Kateryna Levchenko, Government Commissioner for Gender Policy.
"The Third Congress of Women of Donetsk Region is about our future, our participation in the processes of reconstruction and restoration, and how steadfastly we will defend Donetsk Region, wherever we may be. It is about our unity. I believe in Donetsk Region and I know that Ukraine was, is, and will be. Donetsk Oblast was, is, and will be," emphasized Lilia Kislitsyna, president of the NGO SMARTA and coordinator of the 1325 Donetsk Oblast Coalition.
The congress became not only a platform for dialogue and summarizing results, but also an important step in forming a common vision for the future of Donetsk region. In the difficult conditions of war, the region demonstrates resilience, unity, and the deep inner strength of women, who remain the driving force of change in Ukraine.
