STORIES
Kutupalong Refugee Camp, Bangladesh // photo: Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance
Women's Empowerment in Ukraine8/7/2025 business ownership brings hope and community The continuing conflict in Ukraine has led to significant internal displacement, with many people migrating from the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine to safer western regions which are less affected by the ongoing conflict. In the initial phase of displacement, humanitarian assistance from international organizations and the Ukrainian government included shelter, food, medical care, and essential supplies. While these efforts helped to address immediate needs, the transition from emergency aid to sustainable solutions continues to be a critical challenge. Medium and long-term livelihood development, which includes integrating internally displaced people (IDPs) into local economies, will be essential if stability and well-being is to be achieved. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a longtime partner of Week of Compassion, understands that economic integration is particularly crucial for women IDPs, who often face additional barriers to gaining meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. Many are the primary caregivers and need a stable source of income to provide basic support for their family. Since 2022, IOCC has implemented women's economic empowerment projects in six regions of Ukraine, focused on increasing economic opportunities for displaced and local women through vocational and business training, and business start-up grants. Building on the experience and lessons learned from previous projects, with the support of Week of Compassion, IOCC has continued their efforts to further empower IDP and local women in western Ukraine through the implementation of a new project focused on the Zakarpattia region. Kseniya is combining her skills as a massage therapist with her new training in business ownership to create a new studio, and new sense of herself: Starting a new life in western Ukraine, Zakarpattia region, with two children was extremely difficult. After fleeing from our hometown in eastern Ukraine, we arrived without money and any belongings. We had little hope of rebuilding our lives and integrating into a new community. At first, we received several months of government support, but I quickly realized I needed to find a job or start a small business. Where I now live, I saw the potential to open a massage studio. I had experience in massage therapy from my hometown but lacked the funds and business knowledge to start a business.  When I heard about a project supporting displaced women’s economic empowerment, I decided to apply. Luckily, I was selected. During two months of training, I learned essential skills in finance, accounting, and marketing. At the end of my training courses, I wrote a business plan and was awarded a grant to purchase equipment for my massage salon, which is set to open next month. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to bring my business idea to life. It gives me the chance to earn an income, support my family financially, and gives me hope for the future. In addition to economic empowerment, this project was very important to me socially. I met many interesting people, made new friends, and now I have a circle of friends in the new city who support me in daily life. By leveraging past successes and refining approaches based on lessons learned, focusing on business education, micro-business projects, and paid internship opportunities, IOCC’s program will strengthen women's economic resilience, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance their contribution to local economic recovery. Week of Compassion is excited about this continued partnership and celebrates the thriving and empowerment of women in Ukraine and beyond. Thank you to our partners at IOCC for sharing Kseniya's story and photo.
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