In January 2022, the Zaporizhzhia-based Development Center ‘Women's World’ WRO launched an ambitious coalition project to counteract domestic violence and enhance security in seven of the largest communities in Zaporizhzhia region. It was planned to be implemented in collaboration with several partner organizations. This was the first project of the WRO supported by Pact and the first in which the organization assumed the role of leader of the coalition. The team was enthusiastic about its implementation. However, the full-scale war disrupted all plans just a month later.
Olena Zinovenko, the organization's leader, recalls that the team was disoriented. “What to do next? Close the project? Relocate? Or wait?” Personally, for her, deciding was even more challenging, as she had already experienced Russia’s invasion in 2014 when Russia invaded the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Olena Zinovenko (at left), leader of Development Center ‘Women’s World’ WRO, with other participants of the Superpower program during the workshop on Outcome Harvesting methodology in the Project Result Assessment conducted by Pact. July 2023
Starting from Scratch
In 2014, Olena lived in Horlivka, Donetsk region, and worked in a management position in the tax office. When the Russian occupation army approached the city, she and her family decided to leave. They found shelter in Zaporizhzhia, one hundred fifty miles west. To integrate into her new community, Olena established contacts with other displaced persons, later becoming an active participant in the training organized by local NGOs for IDPs, and an initiator of many events for internally displaced women. "I realized that I found my new calling – to be an activist," says Olena.
In 2018, she met Tetiana Sydorenko, also an IDP, and together, they decided to establish an WRO that would take care of internally displaced women and other vulnerable groups. Olena explains, "Because we knew from our own experience what challenges displaced women face and what support they need."
Growing the Organization’s Capacity
During its first 18 months, the young WRO implemented several small projects, mostly through the support of local NGOs. They received rejections for more significant projects, including one submitted to Pact.
"Back then, we already dreamed of cooperating with Pact, knowing it as a powerful international organization," says Olena. "But besides enthusiasm, we had very little experience and knowledge."
When the organization was selected for the Superpower program within the WoU project the team recognized the opportunity. However, Olena admits they did not even imagine the scale of the training that would be provided to them.
"I can say that Pact is very demanding in training. Personally, I found it challenging to absorb everything. But, after the first training sessions, I knew that I was gaining knowledge and skills that could be applied immediately," says Olena. "Thanks to our Hub, we received great experience and saw an excellent example of networking."
Through the Superpower program, the organization received a boost to its organizational development and strengthened its operational capacity. As a result, several new projects with the support of national organizations were implemented. "Together with the WoU project, we progressed quite quickly and moved to the next level," says Olena. Women's World became part of the "Zaporizhzhia 1325" coalition, uniting two dozen organizations in Zaporizhzhia region to strengthen the role of women, promote peace and security (in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1325). In 2020, Olena was elected the head of the coalition.
Olena Zinovenko (at left) with other participants of the Superpower program from the Eastern Cluster during the Forum Supporting Women and Girls in the War Context. March 2023
Making the Right Decision during War
In the first days after the full-scale of Russia’s war in Ukraine, when the organization began to implement its large coalition project under WoU, Olena was poised to make decisions about what to do next.
When the initial emotions settled, Olena decided to stay in Zaporizhzhia. "I felt that personally, and as an organization, we would be needed here, and I immediately started looking for ways to mobilize our resources to support people." In a few days, they received a message from WoU with a proposal to reformat the project to provide humanitarian assistance to IDPs and others affected by the war. "It was a great support," says Olena. "We are still grateful to the project for this!" Women’s World managed to provide humanitarian assistance to more than 350 vulnerable women and their families, even in the most remote communities of the region, and offer psychological support to women. Later, Olena involved other organizations from the "Zaporizhzhia 1325" coalition, donors, and volunteers, so that its successful organization of humanitarian assistance extended further.
Humanitarian aid provided by Women’s World within WoU. Spring 2022
Taking Responsibility
In 2023, Women's World resumed its original activities. With WoU support, the organization, as a coalition leader, is implementing a project on localizing National Action Plan 1325 in Zaporizhzhia region. The project aims to enhance the safety of local women and women IDPs, considering the wartime conditions. Additionally, together with two partner organizations, the organization started the project "Woman: Free, Independent, Confident," for women in relocated communities, which aims to enhance their financial capacity, employment, and entrepreneurial development. "Now, in Zaporizhzhia, our organization has become a brand," says Olena. "As a leading organization, we not only involve other organizations, but generously share our experience and expertise." As Olena testifies, they have a good example to follow.
"The WoU project accepted us, supported us, and gave us the strength to develop. Now we are doing the same for other organizations."
The collection and publication of this story is made possible by the support of the Government of Canada through Women of Ukraine: Heard, Capable, Resilient project implemented by Pact. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.