Women supporting women
Shelter a beacon of hope amidst war
Southern Ukraine – During the communist era, the building served as a bakery. Five years ago, sisters Inna and Olga bought the house intending to revive the business, but when they were approached by a woman seeking shelter from her violent husband, their mission shifted. Gradually, they transformed the building into a sanctuary for women and children in need.
A legacy of compassion
Today, this house is home to eight women and 14 children. Many of these women have no family support and have faced ostracism and violence. Founded by a family with a long history of charitable work, this social center provides crucial support to women and children affected by the ongoing conflict and its devestating consequences. The large house is well-maintained, featuring a community room with a TV and toys, and a playground built on the large plot of land.
The journey becan in 2010, rooted in a family tradition helping orphans. “My mother worked in a boarding school, and since childhood, I was aware of the problems of orphanhood,” says Olga, founder of the shelter. Olga’s official work with an American charity started in 2012, overseeing projects to support orphpans in the Odessa region. However, as Ukraine began closing its boarding schools, Olga and her mother saw the need to shift their focus.
“We decided to open a social center together,” Olga explains. They donated their premises and land, and with the help of sponsors, made the necessary repairs. In 2019 they welcomed their first residents. Despite Olga’s professional career as a lawyer, she dedicated herself to this project, recognising its vital importance to society. “We essentially do all the work of the government,” she notes, highlighting their comprehensive support system.
Comprehensive support for those in need
The shelter offers a full range of services to its residents, addressing legal, medical and psychological needs. “We provice all necessary documents, help them finds jobs, and support their education,” Inna explains. The shelter also assists with legal processes, such as divorces, and ensure that residents receive appropriate healthcare. In some cases, they even help procure housing for the women and children. “We make syere the emerge as full-fledged members of society, able to work and contribute,” Olga adds, emphasising the goal of giving children a happy and secure future.
Adapting to the crisis
Before the war, the center primarily assisted women and children who had suffered from domestic violence. However, the conflict has drastically expanded their scope. “Now we take almost everyone who comes to us,” Olga says. This includes victims of violence, those from occupied and de-occupied territories, and women and children in dire circomstances. The age criterion for residents has also changed, with the shelter now accepting girls as young as 14, many of whom are pregnant or have children.
The burden of war on women
The war has profoundly impacted the role of women in Ukranian society. “Difficult times affect the financial, psycho-emotional state, and savings in families,” Olga observes. Many women at the shelter have lost their homes and financial stability due to the conflict. “Houses were destroyed by the Russian army. Some girls can´t get free housing because of the war,” she says. The financial assistance from the state is minimal and insufficient.
Olga´s personal story mirrors the hardship faced by many. “I divorced my husband and lost my child because of the war,” she shares. Constant shelling and anxiety has taken a toll on her life and well-being. “You can’t stop the drones and missiles that are killing our children, destroying entire families and generations.”
A beacon of hope
Under the immense strain of war, Ukraine has directed nearly all its resources toward repelling the Russian invasion. As the already fragile social safety net struggles under the strain of war, private citizens, with with the support by organisations and international aid, step up to try and fill the gaps.
Despite the challenges, the shelter remains a beacon of hope. Olga and her team continue to provide a safe haven for those in need, driven by a commitment to rebuild lives shattered by war. Their work is not just about survival but about restoring dignity and hope to those who have lost so much.