World Vision’s livelihood skills trainings changing lives of Ukraine’s displaced women in Odesa

Odesa, Ukraine – UN Women reported that in Ukraine, 56 percent of the 3.7 million officially registered as displaced are women. Women make up 93 percent of the 4.6 million people returning to Ukraine and seeking to re-integrate into society.

Way Home Odesa Charity Foundation, with the support from World Vision, has provided women with the opportunity to learn new skills as part of the Building the Future Project not only to survive but to thrive.

Arina Osypova, Head of Psycho-Social Development of the foundation said many women in Ukraine find themselves in a difficult situation. They came to Odesa and feel completely confused when they find themselves with their children in a strange city without a home, work, and support.”

“Many of them lost their husbands in the war, which further complicated their situation and morale. They are forced to take on any job to be able to provide their families with a vital resource”, Osypova says.

She adds, “When women find out about the possibility of free training, they try not to miss this opportunity, because it allows them to earn money and choose a skill they like.”

“Of the 60 project participants, 53 are already working thanks to the skills and knowledge they have gained," says Osypova.

Liliya from Mariupol, 45 shares, "My life was the way I planned it, but all of that is gone. It took me a long time to find the strength to move on and completely reboot my life, and while living in Odesa, I discovered good skills in making sweets."

"I came across videos with recipes and tried to try them myself, but unfortunately did not work out. Later, I wanted to take a pastry course, but it was too expensive”, Liliyana says.

I recently moved to Odesa. It was very hard, I had no job and no money, but I held on. Strangers took me and my child in. I was offered to take free manicure courses. It was my dream, and only now it has come true.

She adds, “When I received a message from Way Home Charitable Foundation, decided that this was the answer to my situation. The main thing is to pull yourself together, look for yourself, believe in yourself, and stop feeling sorry for yourself.”

Lilia had the opportunity to meet new people and feel part of a team. She learned, shared experiences with other participants, and even helped others. This allowed her to feel supported and confident, which helped her cope with the stress and obstacles in her life.

Zhanna from Mykolaiv says, "Before the war, I made latex orchids and flowerpots, rescued and helped animals, and generally lived according to my conscience and heart."

"I recently moved to Odesa. It was very hard, I had no job and no money, but I held on. Strangers took me and my child in. I was offered to take free manicure courses. It was my dream, and only now it has come true”, she shares.

"The courses with the women help them feel safer, increases their self-esteem, and most importantly, they realize their abilities, provide for themselves and their children. We have cases where girls completely change their career paths”, Osipova shares.

“Analyzing the project, we realized that women need it, especially since we see the results, the inspiration in their eyes as they receive the certificates, ready to change their lives for the better. We have provided an opportunity for development, and we are glad that we have succeeded”, she says.

“Vocational courses for women have improved the lives of women and their families and increased their income and resilience. They have become more accessible to displaced women than ever before”, adds Mykola Holyk, World Vision's Project Manager.

Story by Vira Sholinian, Advocacy Advisor I Photos by Way Home Odesa Charity Foundation