The head of our organization, Olha Yashchenko, attended the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
A bit about the event: it’s an annual gathering that brings together governments, the UN, civil society, and media to discuss current human rights challenges and evaluate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration.
We took part to once again remind the world about the war and Ukraine’s needs, to amplify the voice of the Ukrainian feminist movement, and to exchange experiences on an international level.
“This was my first major international event, so instead of listing event names or offering thanks, I’ll share what I took away from it:
- Take initiative — don’t wait to be given the floor.
We must tirelessly seek out opportunities, prepare our points in advance, practice English, claim our space and voice, amplify the voices of Ukrainian feminists, and remind people about the war and Ukraine’s needs. If we don’t, others will decide for us — and that’s not what we need. - International solidarity is built through sharing common pain.
This was the most powerful part — exchanging thoughts with activists from different countries and being amazed at how much we have in common, how similar our approaches and solutions are. We have so much to learn from one another, and these events are a perfect platform for that if used right. - Don’t expect too much from official events.
Institutions are, as always, soulless and sluggish — that’s their nature. I was disappointed to hear vague and theoretical responses to direct practical questions, but I realized it couldn’t have been otherwise. It’s important to understand where to direct your energy and manage your expectations. Sometimes, a well-posed question and the audience’s reaction matter more than the report itself. - International work is not about quick wins, but consistent small steps.
Expecting fast results will only lead to frustration, so I choose to calmly take it step by step, sticking to a clear direction and overall goal. - Pay more attention to personal connections.
In my opinion, informal chats over coffee or at a bar were the most productive and honest. In those conversations, we can support and understand each other, come up with collaboration ideas, and leave a lasting impression on someone who may later promote your ideas in their own circles.
I wasn’t going to give any thanks, but I do want to highlight a great idea from the Heinrich Böll Foundation — not just funding the trip, but gathering a group of unfamiliar activists and housing us together. Because each of us came from different countries as solo participants, we got to meet, spend time together, and learn about each other’s experiences and perspectives. That networking gave me so much support, inspiration, and new insights! I wouldn’t have gained as much if I had travelled with a group of fellow Ukrainians I already know.
That said, without the support of my comrades from Ukraine, I would have completely lost it from the stress and exhaustion — so a huge thank you to the girls who stayed in touch,” Olha adds.
