Since the onset of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, a staggering number of women, along with their children and other dependents, have been forced to flee their homeland, seeking refuge in foreign lands. This panel discussion delves into the intricate tapestry of challenges Ukrainian women face abroad, navigating the delicate balance between temporary displacement and the elusive promise of permanency.
Economist Liudmyla Huliaieva and members of the Vilnius, Lithuania-based initiative Ukreate Hub will discuss the multifaceted realities experienced by Ukrainian women living in the liminal space of temporariness. Against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, these women grapple with the haunting uncertainty of whether they will ever set foot on their native soil again. The ebb and flow of frontline dynamics in Ukraine further exacerbate their sense of precariousness, as their fates hang in the balance with each shift in conflict dynamics.
Central to the discourse is the vulnerability of Ukrainian women, particularly those with dependents, who find themselves thrust into the periphery of societal support structures. The panel emphasizes the urgent need for tailored interventions to facilitate their integration into host communities, recognizing their unique challenges. Beyond mere humanitarian aid, there is a clarion call for holistic support mechanisms that transcend financial provisions, encompassing social, psychological, and legal avenues.
Theory meets practice as the panelists engage in robust dialogue, drawing from empirical evidence and lived experiences to look for viable solutions with a focus on interventions aimed at empowering Ukrainian women in their quest for stability and belonging amid the tumult of displacement.
Sponsorship
This event is co-sponsored by the MIT-Ukraine Program, the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, Open Lithuania Foundation, and Ukreate-Hub.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
