The Women's Movement Lives in All of Us: Celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Women's Movement in Lviv

On November 6, 2024, the regional forum “The Women’s Movement Lives in All Women” was held in Lviv, bringing together around 100 participants from across Ukraine. The event was dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the Ukrainian women’s movement, and among those present was a representative from the “Feminist Workshop” — Maryana Zelinska, the community coordinator and Yosh, activist, co-founder and former head of the NGO “Feminist Workshop”.

The forum created an atmosphere of inspiration and pride in the significant contributions Ukrainian women have made to the development of our state, particularly through their activism during the nation’s formation and in modern times. Participants had the opportunity to delve into the history of the women’s movement, discuss its impact on the present, and look toward the future. Did you know that exactly 140 years ago, on December 8, 1884, the Ukrainian writer Nataliya Kobrynska founded the “Ruthenian Women’s Society” in Stanislaviv (now Ivano-Frankivsk)? This organization laid the foundation for the further development of the women’s movement in Ukraine.

At the forum, special attention was paid to the history of the women’s movement in Galichina (a region on western Ukraine). Panel discussions highlighted significant figures, such as Nataliya Kobrynska, and explored both contemporary challenges and opportunities. The forum became a platform for inspiration and for those looking to make their own contribution to societal development.

The forum’s name was inspired by a legendary statement from Milena Rudnytska, a prominent feminist and public activist: “The women’s movement lives in all women, even when they don’t know it or don’t want it — even when they renounce it in words.” This powerful statement set the theme for this year’s forum.

Our gratitude goes to the organizers — the Non-Governmental Centre “Women’s Perspectives”  and the Ukrainian National Women’s League (UNWL)   — for the incredible opportunity to once again remind everyone of the importance of the women’s movement in Ukraine and to invite new participants to join this story.