Internal displacement is a life-changing experience. Millions of Ukrainians face daily challenges such as the loss of their homes, familiar surroundings, jobs, and social ties, alongside the responsibility of caring for children, parents, and other loved ones.
Women play a particularly vital role in overcoming these challenges; they not only adapt to new circumstances but also gradually become active participants in the life of their host communities.
The "Ambassadors of Peaceful Change" project was launched specifically to support internally displaced women and strengthen their participation in peacebuilding processes. Through this initiative, women have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, share experiences, address their own needs, and generate ideas aimed at solving community problems.
Each participant’s story is unique. Behind it lies forced relocation, loss, and memories of the life left behind in their hometown or village—yet also a desire to start a new chapter and be of service to others.
During "Ambassadors of Peaceful Change" meetings, participants not only share their experiences but also develop concrete project initiatives. They move from identifying problems to finding solutions, planning next steps, and creating tools for engaging with communities and local government bodies.
This approach enables a gradual transition from overcoming personal crises to actively participating in community development. IDP women are becoming initiators of change capable of influencing not only their own lives but also the well-being of those around them.
Ahead lie the implementation of new initiatives, advocacy efforts, dialogue with community and government representatives, and the transformation of developed ideas into concrete actions.
Supporting and engaging IDP women in peacebuilding processes is a crucial component of the recovery of the Donetsk region. After all, active and empowered women are a vital resource for community development, strengthening social cohesion, and building a resilient future.
The project is implemented by the NGO "Smarta" with technical support from UN Women Ukraine and funding from the Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF).