Millions of people, mostly women and children, have been forced to flee the country since February 24, 2022, when Russia launched an offensive in Ukraine. Rape, categorized as a “war crime” in international conventions, was the first tactic used. Ukrainian women and girls, who were subjected to gang rape by the occupying soldiers, were targeted by human traffickers as well as sexual harassment and rape on the migration routes. According to a study by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), 8 million Ukrainian women and children migrated to Europe. The exact number of Ukrainians subjected to sexual assault and rape in Europe is unknown. 

 

Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, said that some Ukrainian women have fallen into the trap of prostitution gangs, noting that prostitution gangs lure Ukrainian women, especially single ones, with the promise of high-paying jobs.

 

SOLIDARITY BETWEEN COUNTRIES 

 

Despite the war conditions, many women who did not leave their country continue their struggle. The solidarity and communication of Ukrainian women who stayed in the country and were forced to migrate has never ceased. Ukrainian women, who are trying to build new lives in other countries, both increase solidarity and create networks for refugees like themselves by keeping in touch with each other.

 

Sonia Zabouga and Anastasiia Alibayli are two Ukrainian women. Ukrainian Women told Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about their experiences and the struggle they have been waging in their locations. 

 

THEY WROTE ABOUT THE WAR IN A FASHION MAGAZINE 

 

Sonia Zabouga, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE Ukraine Magazine, said that the magazine has experienced significant transformations with the war. Sonia Zabouga stated that Ukrainians have created a bilingual virtual edition to make their voices heard and share their stories globally, “Rather than  focusing on traditional fashion and  beauty content, we dedicated our edition to documenting the lives of  Ukrainians in war-torn regions. Our aim was to provide a firsthand account  of their struggles, resilience, and  unwavering spirit. One of the most emotionally challenging segments was the series "War Diaries," crafted by our senior editor Svetlana Kravchenko. It captured the harrowing experiences of people in the hot war zones. Conveying their feelings and emotions was crucial for us, and this series of interviews offers a profoundly different perspective on the war in Ukraine,” she said.

 

CITIES WITHOUT WATER AND ELECTRICITY 

 

Sonia Zabouga said that Ukrainian women have taken on great responsibilities since Russia's large-scale offensive in 2022 and are filling the roles vacated by men and added:  “They've traditionally balanced motherhood, careers, and community involvement. Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, they've taken on even greater responsibilities, often filling crucial roles vacated by men. While many women remain on the home front, shouldering the burdens of family and work, others have stepped up to serve their country directly. As of March 1, 2023, over 60,000 women were actively serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Today, Ukrainian women embody strength and resilience. They are mothers, workers, and warriors, seamlessly navigating the challenges of war while holding onto hope for a peaceful future."

 

Sonia Zabouga stated that Russia has targeted civilian and energy infrastructure in the country with 120 missiles and 90 drones in the last 3 months,  “As a consequence there are districts and cities without water and electricity supply including our Odessa based art director. These dozens of missiles and drones in Ukraine are Putin's response to attempts to start peace talks with him. But in reality the dictator will negotiate only when the situation is really critical for him or he realizes that he can achieve maximum concessions from Ukraine. The only language Russia understands is the language of force. When met with resistance, Russia may back down. But when shown weakness, Russia will exploit it," she said. 

 

FUTURE UNCERTAINTY 

 

The war in Ukraine has forced countless families to make “heart-wrenching” decisions, said Sonia Zabouga and continued: “When the invasion began, the immediate instinct was to protect children by fleeing to safety. The uncertainty of the future was a constant source of anxiety. Over time, the initial shock has given way to a more complex reality. While many parents still long for their homeland, the practicalities of rebuilding their lives in a new country have become increasingly important. For some, the decision to stay has been made easier by the opportunities they have found, such as employment or new relationships. For others, the destruction of their homes in Ukraine has made returning impossible. This is one of the most challenging moments if we talk about consequences of war." 

 

ABANDONED THE LIFE

 

One of the people Sonia Zabouga said, “countless families to make heart-wrenching decisions” is journalist Anastasiia Alibayli. Anastasiia Alibayli was forced to leave Ukraine with her children because of the war.  

 

Anastasiia Alibayli said that she had to leave not only her home but also the life she had built over the years due to the war and added: “a modern art gallery in the heart of the city, a small media holding with several print magazines , and a close-knit circle of friends. Arriving in an unfamiliar country with my children, without knowing the language, was daunting. However, this experience of starting from scratch is something countless Ukrainian women have faced. Many women who left Ukraine have channeled their resilience into building new lives abroad, creating businesses, and finding ways to support each other. This time has taught us all how much strength lies within us — a strength we might not have known we had before the war.” 

 

Anastasiia Alibayli

 

THE WAR CHANGED EVERYTHING

 

Anastasiia Alibayli said that the war that changed their lives forced women like her to become leaders, adding that the war changed not only herself but also families and communities across the country. Anastasiia Alibayli said: “I moved to a new country and had to start from the ground up. Fortunately, with my media background, I was able to secure a position with an international television channel and start a new business. Women all around the world who left Ukraine have found ways to adapt, whether by launching new projects or by becoming community organizers to help fellow Ukrainians. For example, one woman I know arrived in Poland and started a successful bakery business that became a gathering point for Ukrainians. This adaptability has become a defining characteristic of Ukrainian women."

 

WOMEN BECAME THE VOICE OF CHANGE

 

Stating that there are statements from many countries that the war must stop, but no concrete steps are taken, Anastasiia Alibayli said: “Knowing that there are nations actively supporting aggression is a difficult reality to face. However, it also reinforces our commitment to tell our stories and advocate for peace through any platform available to us. In Ukraine, many women are now voices for change — whether through journalism, activism, or humanitarian work. Their stories serve as a reminder to the world that peace is a universal need and that we all bear a responsibility to achieve it."

 

Stating that Ukrainian women show incredible resistance in the face of difficulties, Anastasiia Alibayli described the struggle of women who had to leave their countries affected by the war: “Many women, including myself, have had to restart our lives from nothing, taking on new roles to provide stability for our families. Some women have even reinvented their careers entirely. For example, one woman I know, who was a teacher in Ukraine, has started a successful language tutoring business for Ukrainians abroad, helping them integrate while preserving their native language. Personally, I was able to establish myself in media here in Azerbaijan, became a TV host with own show, start a new business, and even build a new family by bringing another child into the world, offering new life and hope in the face of adversity. This journey shows that, despite the hardships, life does indeed go on. Women all over the world, from different walks of life, continue to fight for normalcy and progress, even when circumstances are far from normal.

 

WOMEN'S SOLIDARITY IS A FORCE THAT TRANSCENDS BORDERS

 

Women’s solidarity is an incredible force, transcending borders and backgrounds. Across the world, women understand the challenges of loss and hardship, and they are often the first to extend a helping hand. Ukrainian women have found support from communities around the world, helping them to start new lives and maintain their dignity. For example, I know of a group of Ukrainian women in Canada who organized a network to provide resources and support to newly arrived Ukrainian families. It’s an inspiring reminder that, despite the darkness, there is still kindness and connection that binds us together. Certainly, here’s a revised version that emphasizes the importance of self-belief first, then finding strength to connect with others.

 

NOVEMBER 25 MESSAGE 

 

My message to women everywhere is, above all, to hold on to faith in yourself and your inner strength. Many women have found themselves in a completely new reality because of the war. Before, they may have had the support of husbands, brothers, or parents to manage daily life. But with the onset of war, so much has changed. Many women have had to leave for foreign countries, often with children, and start from scratch in places where they don’t know the language or culture. The journey is tough, but the first and most vital step is believing in yourself — knowing that you can rise up and stand strong, no matter the hardship.

 

November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a reminder that we can come together to build a safer, more stable world. Once you find strength within, you’ll find that you’re never alone. The solidarity among women, the resilience I have witnessed firsthand in Ukrainian women and others around the world, is a powerful force. Let’s continue lifting each other up and building a brighter future, knowing that even in the darkest times, dawn is just ahead. Together, we can create a world where every woman feels safe, valued, and empowered."

 

MA / Hivda Çelebi-Zemo Ağgöz