Lyuba Maksymovych, the founder of the Center for Women's Perspectives in Lviv, Ukraine, has been running her own NGO focused on protecting women's rights for the past 25 years. However, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, she had to shift her organization's focus to providing emergency shelters for women and children fleeing the conflict.

Maksymovych quickly mobilized her network of friends, businesspeople, and concerned citizens to set up impromptu shelters in Lviv. Over the past year, she has established a network of temporary and long-term shelters for women and children affected by the war. Despite having no experience in this type of work, she has successfully provided aid and support to those in need, including clothing, food, housing, psychological counseling, and medical assistance.

One notable contribution came from a donation of 10,000 leggings from a large US manufacturer. Maksymovych distributed these leggings to women on the front lines, internally displaced people, women in shelters in Lviv, and those traveling abroad. The leggings proved to be weather-appropriate and immensely helped women in need.

Although far from the front lines, the situation in Lviv remains precarious due to the ongoing conflict. Maksymovych emphasized that there are no safe places in Ukraine, and the threat of Russian missiles constantly looms. However, amidst the challenges, she has witnessed an outpouring of support from volunteers, international donors, local authorities, and businesses. This unity and solidarity have been essential in assisting refugee women and children.

Maksymovych believes the war has brought about a positive change in Ukraine by fostering a more profound respect for women and promoting gender equality. The shared experience of the conflict has helped people realize the importance of working together, regardless of gender, for the betterment of the country. Efforts are being made to ensure women's active participation in decision-making processes, such as post-war reconstruction plans, focusing on gender budgeting and addressing the specific needs of both girls and boys.

Overall, Maksymovych's organization has adapted to the challenges of the war by expanding its services to provide shelter and support to women and children affected by the conflict. Through the generosity of volunteers and donors, they have made a significant impact in helping those in need and fostering a sense of unity and gender equality in Ukraine.

Thanks for reading. You can support and reward my writing via: 

Pay Pal – [email protected]

Algo - NCG6LBALQHENQUSR77KOR6SS42FGK54BZ5L2HFDSBGQVLGYIOVWYDXFDI4

ADA – addr1q9vfs6nqz4xmtnpljwhv4tukyskd2g7enxd87rpugkwwvfun5pnla5d5tes2mvurrc77e7837yd0scrfk063qlha8wgs8d4ynz

Bitcoin 3HbxyDXE9MhNQ8RqsirqgYvFupQzh5Xby2

ETH - 0x8982cdb97bd23f092f78a16a4fc93c5c4607a285

Seeds – vladlausevic

Skycoin – ZxjhWMJRbTNCRQzy5MekZzH4fhdWFCqBP8

Tezos — tz1QrRzkTAKuPKF8dmGW6c1ScEHBUGvoiJBM