UKRAINIANS
The war in Ukraine is going on right now! Russian invasion continues, as do their indiscriminate shelling and murders of Ukrainian civilians, women and children. And destruction, so much destruction is caused by the russian aggressor.
I am Ukrainian, born in Eastern Ukraine, in Dnipro. Although I immigrated years ago, my heart is in Ukraine, it is my homeland and it is hurting. With the WOW Woman platform, my aim is to shine the spotlight on brave and defiant Ukrainian women who are fighting for the full liberation from the russian aggressor, battling for their right to live, prosper and pursue happiness - just like the rest of us. Although russians learned that Ukrainians will not be silenced nor dominated, the aggressor continues trying and terrorizing. I believe that information is power and sharing Ukrainian women’s stories is one form of justice.
With my WOW Woman Ukraine coverage, I want to bring forth (1) women living inside the country with a Inside Ukraine project and interviews, (2) women who support Ukraine from afar (expats or foreigners) and (3) stories of Ukrainian refugees who fled the aggressor. My goal is to show the real flesh-and-blood humans behind the news headlines. I trust that these interviews will be a legacy on which future generations of Ukrainians will proudly build.
In addition, I directly support these grass roots/boots-on-the-ground efforts in partnership with Irpin’s Fund of Caring and local Ukrainian women:
(1) Project Investing in Ukraine’s Future
(2) Project Helping Ukrainian Armed Forces
(3) Project Supporting Ukraine’s Vulnerable
Ukrainians are fighting for all of us and here is how we can return the favour! Thank you for visiting, reading and supporting. Slava Ukraini!
- Olga Shmaidenko, founder of WOW Woman, a proud Ukrainian.
INSIDE UKRAINE
WOW Woman’s Inside Ukraine Series highlights Ukrainian women who are doing the heavy lifting inside Ukraine. Women who are focused on what is required to fight the russian aggressor, with one common goal: bring Ukraine to victory. “Inside Ukraine” stories show diverse forms of resistance, on all fronts. These WOW Women need ammunition, not a ride! “Inside Ukraine” stories include photos sent by the women themselves, from their day-in-the-life, over 700 days of a full-scale war and russian aggression! Inside Ukraine is the only WOW Woman series that is done remotely, with women communicating form a war-affected Ukraine.
INSIDE UKRAINIAN HEART
Outstanding Ukrainian WOW Women who, after escaping russian bombs, are living abroad. Their stories and activism inspire me greatly; interviews were obtained remotely, photos provided by the WOW Women themselves.
UKRAINIANs Abroad, Foreigners who SUPPORT Ukraine and volunteers
Profiles of WOW Women below highlight the extensive humanitarian efforts carried out by the Ukrainian refugees living abroad as well as the regular women living in Poland, the rest of Europe and throughout the world (in places like Canada, USA and South Africa). Thank you to every volunteer, who helped Ukrainians. (Ukrainian-only voices are aggregated here). All women in this section were interviewed and photographed by me in person.
Ukrainian Voices - Before the War
As of this writing (February 8, 2023), the RF continues bombing and occupying peaceful Ukrainian cities, killing civilians, destroying Ukrainian infrastructure, deporting, torturing and raping Ukrainian women and children. However, russians will fail at their attempts to suffocate Ukrainian spirit. No crime will go unpunished. Through it all, Ukrainian strength and resilience have always shown superior to those of the aggressor.
Ми витримаємо. Ми переможемо. Слава Україні! We will persevere. We will win. Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!- Olga Shmaidenko, Founder of WOW Woman.
* all photos above, by Olga Shmaidenko