Lyudmila Guseynova is a participant in the 2025 regional competition “Woman of Donetsk Region,” nominated in the category “Creator of Change and Opportunities.”
Her story is an example of resilience and strength that inspires many.
After enduring more than three years of Russian captivity, torture, and sexual violence, Lyudmila did not break. On the contrary, she turned her own pain into a mission to help others.
After her release, she founded the non-governmental organization “Come on, sisters!”, which supports the families of prisoners, helps released women, and fights for those who still dream of freedom. Her activities include advocacy at the national and international levels: from participating in the creation of a law on the status of victims of conflict-related sexual violence to appealing to the UN to recognize Russia's crimes.
Lyudmila organizes medical and psychological rehabilitation for those who have been released, finds resources to support children whose mothers remain in captivity, and restores hope where it seems to have been lost.
The values she embodies are simple yet profound: integrity, unity, mutual aid, and humanity. She does not put herself in the spotlight—instead, she emphasizes the importance of the voices of those whom society may forget. Her courage and determination inspire others with faith: even after the darkest trials, it is possible to find the strength to live and act.
Lyudmila Huseynova's story is a reminder that women are agents of change, leadership, and goodness. They create a new reality – for their families, for their communities, for the whole of Ukraine. That is why it is so important to support them and listen to their voices.
The detailed story of the contest participant can be found at: https://surl.li/yaibsc
#WomanOfDonetskRegion2025