Women are traditionally seen as “weak” and “fragile”. The last 100 days in Ukraine have shown that we are also strong, resilient, courageous and can take “whatever-it-takes” to the next level. I want the stories of these women to be known. I want the world to see that it’s not just an abstract “people”, but that behind each story there’s a beautiful and powerful little princess or queen.
Women on the front lines.
Traditionally in Eastern European countries women are rarely joining the army. But it’s a different story when it comes to standing up to defend our home, our families, our parents and children.
A former model joined the army.
This graphic designer decided to join the army 2 years ago, because wasn’t liking where russia was going with their politics.
A hero defender of Azovstal in Mariupol was a “normal” girl before the war
Women who are POW-survivors, returned to Ukraine
There’s the first female commander at sea.
And even those who became fiancées, wifes and sometimes widows – an entire lifetime within all of a few days or weeks.
And even foreign volunteers include women – a Swedish Member of Parliament is putting her medical skills to work on the front lines in Ukraine.
And many more:
Women activists
Many girls and women stood up and supported Ukraine where they were, however they could:
A young girl collecting donations for cavlar vests for the defenders.
Those who came out to protest in their countries and support Ukraine
And even Spanish royalty was sending food and personal note of encouragement to the Ukrainian defenders.
Women everywhere
And often it takes as much courage and determination to even just keep living a “normal” life.
Women giving birth under Russian bombs
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Looking after newborns in bomb shelters for months! (This scene was replicated on a painting in one of the Italian churches).
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Fleeing to the safety of nowhere, leaving your life behind, to protect your children
Even “bomb-shelter-schooling”!
Or baking Paskhas for Easter, even if the stove is the only thing left of your house.
And sometimes…. Even give life another chance, like this military nurse who lost both legs on a russian landmine in Eastern Ukraine, survived, got evacuated, and got married even before being dismissed from the rehab centre.
I am so proud of my people. I am so particularly proud of the incredible brave women of Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini!
