To promote the agenda of women’s economic empowerment and to highlight the impact of the WINGS project on women’s lives, their families, and communities in Ukraine, Pact, in collaboration with the One Health communication agency, conducted an information campaign at the end of 2024.
As part of the campaign, ten Ukrainian female artists created art posters that depict the stories of women entrepreneurs. The art exhibition, titled “Flying with the WINGS,” was unveiled at the project's final conference on November 26, 2024. Each poster tells the story of a WINGS woman entrepreneur, as experienced and retold by the artist: her journey, transformation, inspiration, and dreams—a vivid portrait of her inspired self.
“In such an extraordinary way, we aimed to draw attention to the importance of women-led entrepreneurship, especially during the war. With many men serving on the front lines, women have taken on a leading role in community development while also supporting their children and families. Women who have started businesses contribute to their communities by paying taxes and fostering economic growth. Many of them have also established women-support communities, NGOs, and volunteer hubs. These women have become a driving force for economic resilience and positive change”, Olesia Galchynska, WINGS project manager.
Flying with the WINGS exibition. November 26, 2024
Let us share these stories:
Anastasia Heylo, WINGS Project Participant, Master Confectioner, Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region and Yulia Tabenska, artist
“For me, my candies bring back the taste of childhood. I want to pass this taste of childhood to a new generation and, for those my age, bring back that little piece of carefree youth. This is what my work means to me,” told Anastasia.
Yulia explained: "Anastasia's story is one of finding light amid darkness-a true miracle within tragedy. My challenge was not to focus solely on the hardships, but to capture the entire story. It's about a woman who, after facing a severe diagnosis alone, chooses not to fall into despair. Instead, she realizes her dream, bringing hope and joy to others.
I wanted this to be an uplifting poster, showing Anastasia as strong, warm, and full of faith. The poster was inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the nostalgic '80s club style, a time of carefree disco music. I depicted a candy-lollipop world - her inner world - seen through a small opening. Bright, but soft-coloured lollipops fill the space, and cotton candy clouds float in the sky-a true wonderland.
I believe the story of the lollipops goes beyond just sweets. It's about the need for happiness. And when this joy comes from someone who has faced so much, it is even more precious. That is the world of Anastasia."
Svitlana Fedorova, WINGS Project Participant, Zumba Fitness Trainer, Zolochiv, Lviv region and Olha Dehtyaryova, artist
''You can't buy the joy, satisfaction, and pride that come from your work. By giving my energy, I receive renewed energy from the girls." – Svitlana shared.
Olha: "I was drawn to Svitlana herself. She defies the stereotype of a typical dance coach; she doesn't fit the 'Instagram look.' Yet this doesn't stop her from practicing Zumba and teaching others, with all the confidence and courage it takes. Whether in Sievierodonetsk or Zolochiv, where she relocated after losing her home to the war, Svitlana's dedication remains strong. She shows that this sport isn't just for young girls, but is accessible to everyone.
In my composition, there's a dark section symbolizing the uncertainty and hardships Svitlana has faced. The bright section represents dance-Zumba bursts into the dark part as a vibrant spot, a beam of light and joy. Through this, I wanted to show that even in difficult times and through countless obstacles, we can still find a few hours each week to lift our spirits and enjoy ourselves. Thanks to Svitlana and the WINGS project, this joy is available to those who need it most.''
Vita Pyna, WINGS project participant, Master Confectioner, Holoroluchchia village, Kyiv region and Svitlana Hryb, artist
'Marshmallow mixture is something very simple, but you can turn it into something beautiful. It's the same with a person - you can shape him or her into a personality. When I gather flowers into a composition, choose a box, or pick out paper for the bouquet, I'm refining myself too. I'm cultivating qualities in myself that I like and aspire to develop. It's not about money; it's about realizing dreams,'' – Vita.
Svitlana: "I am currently in a condition which demands positivity and light. So, when I read that Vita makes flowers out of sweets, I instantly felt a connection with her story. Flowers have a special significance in my work, I often create ornaments from them. This is what links Vita and I.
In my illustration, Vita is by herself, surrounded by everything pleasant and light - a world she creates. Real flowers grow around her, symbolizing the garden of her soul. We see only a part of it in the illustration, as it's just the beginning of this garden; in reality, it could be endless. With every flower Vita creates, she expands this garden, nurturing her inner strength and love.
The heroine herself seems soft and cozy, like a mother who lovingly cares for her family. But, she hasn't merged completely with this role; she has remained herself, with her own space and a quest for her own meanings."
Natalia Maslova, WINGS Project Participant, Yoga Trainer, Lozova, Kharkiv region and Oksana Drachkovska, artist
''The most important thing I gain from my work is the energy to keep going. I give so much of myself and receive even more in return. What truly matters is that the world gains more happy people-people who understand that the quality of their life depends on their decisions.'', - Natalia.
Oksana: "Before beginning this piece, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the balance that yoga offers and on the balance within Natalia herself-the resilience that sustains her. I wanted to convey this as a foundation, a source of strength. That's why I depicted mats with grass growing from them. The women practicing seem to connect with the earth, drawing stability from it, and that is their strength. Outside the window, clouds float by, symbolizing the thoughts we aim to release during yoga, allowing them to drift without holding us back.
I am inspired by women like Natalia who do not follow well-trodden paths. I count myself among them, as I work independently and understand the challenges this brings. I admire those who find the courage to turn their passion into a livelihood-it requires immense bravery, especially for someone who is an internally displaced person. Natalia seemingly lost everything, yet she held onto her inner balance or her faith in herself."
Victoria Tabachna, WINGS Project Participant, Founder of Wire and Metal Products Workshop, Poltava and Olha Protasova, artist
''I am inspired by the opportunity to design and create simple yet incredibly useful things out of metal. I understand metal and know how to work with it, but as a woman, I see the need to enhance daily life, the home, and even the workshop. Small yet convenient additions to creative spaces can truly lift the mood during the work on masterpieces,'' - Victoria
Olha: "Victoria doesn't just see metal in a technical or practical way; she sees its flexibility and beauty. That's why she can create such delicate pieces from a rigid material.
I decided to create Victoria's portrait in plasticine. Working with metal is quite similar to working with plasticine: we start with simple strips or lines and shape them based on what our imagination dictates. So, this portrait is built from almost identical strips which together create certain forms. Flowers surround the portrait, symbolizing her gentleness, and her tools - they're varied and many, but she skillfully uses them all.
Beyond her art, I admire Victoria's resilience. She doesn't shy away from obstacles or difficulties; she steadily pursues her goal - creating beauty which is durable. It's also fitting that Victoria is from Kharkiv, a city known for its 'steel and concrete' spirit."
Anastasiia Movchan, WINGS Project Participant, Artist of Petrykivka Painting, Blyzniuky, Kharkiv region and Olesya Drashkaba, artist
''Petrykivka painting is something I could sit with for eternity, and I never get tired of it. It's like art therapy for me. I also teach children and adults, giving them the chance to step away from their everyday lives, learn something new, and find joy. Their eyes, the eyes of my students, inspire me." - Anastasiia.
Olesya: "At the start of the full-scale invasion, Anastasiia was on the verge of leaving Ukraine, but at the last moment, she took a risk and joined the WINGS project to transform her life. During such uncertain and frightening times, she chose to follow her passion for painting and volunteering.
I understand how challenging it is-and how empowering it can be when you follow your calling. Anastasiia resonates with me because she is also an artist, and I became curious about how I could interpret 'Petrykivka' to showcase another artist's work through my own.
Anastasiia also runs a studio where she teaches both children and adults. She is active in her community, volunteering and blossoming like the vibrant flowers in her paintings. My poster captures this by showing several hands painting floral ornaments, which, in turn, flow onto the hands that create them. To me, this represents inspiration, a calling, the therapeutic power of art, and the beauty of collaborative work."
Vira Sopelnyk, WINGS Project Participant, Co-Founder of Embroidery and Sewing Workshop, Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region and Oksana Drachkovska, artist
''It's important to me that our work has a social impact. I support women on maternity leave and socially vulnerable women, helping them rediscover themselves through creativity. There's something truly special in knowing that my work brings not only aesthetic satisfaction, but also real support to those in need," – Vira.
Oksana: "I started embroidering last year, during the second year of the full-scale war. Embroidery, with its intricate, calming process of fine motor skills, holds a deep sense of symbolism. When women come together in a circle to embroider, they gather powerful strength. As I reviewed the heroines of the WINGS project, I immediately felt drawn to Vira.
In my artwork, I wanted to honor tradition. That's why we see a circle of women, connected by a single thread, weaving one shared pattern.
The flower they are embroidering was one I saw on one of Vira's works. The tools surrounding the women represent their instruments of creation. The women in the drawing may be small, but together they create something immense. That, perhaps, is my central idea.
Vira herself stirred profound emotions in me. She has lost her home twice, yet I feel her strength when she speaks about these experiences! I was deeply moved -she has lost so much, so many times, yet she has never given up."
Natalia Bovkun, WINGS Project Participant, Viticulturist, Novoukrayinka village, Kharkiv region and Olha Dehtyaryova, artist
''I've learned to connect with my true self-to listen, grow, and keep learning. I've become more confident and realize that I am beautiful, attractive, and valuable! Now I know that others appreciate my advice and knowledge,'' – Natalia.
Olha: "I chose Natalia because we share a connection: I, too, love growing plants. It's a beautiful process-you plant something, nurture it, and eventually, it bears fruit. It feels as though the earth is rewarding you for your efforts. And working with the land is also about family, about coming together in a shared endeavor.
I think grape-growing reflects much of Natalia's essence. She's planning to create an educational program, which is, again, like nurturing something new-a community, a circle of like-minded people.
The grapevine itself captivated me as well. It's an ancient symbol found in many cultures, with viticulture going back thousands of years. To convey these meanings, I depicted Natalia intertwined with grapevines. Whether the vine supports her or she holds onto it, it's a symbolic return to roots-a foundation we can lean on."
Oksana Khodor, WINGS Project Participant, Doll-making Craftswoman, Kamianka-Buzka, Lviv region and Maria Foya, artist
''My biggest dream is to create a collection of ethnically styled dolls, each dedicated to a region of Ukraine, and to display them on a large flag with a map of the oblasts. I want to showcase the beauty of our Ukrainian culture through embroidery.'' – Oksana.
Maria: "Oksana's journey with textiles was no accident-she had years of experience in garment production. When the full-scale war began, she lost her job, and without support from her husband, things were even more difficult . This is why I admire her courage to pursue her ideas during such a challenging time.
Starting something new, especially later in life and after enduring losses, takes incredible honesty with oneself and a commitment to one's dreams. It's rare to find that courage. Oksana's children truly believe in her, providing invaluable support, as did the WINGS project .
In my drawing, Oksana sits in a quiet corner, sewing, fully absorbed in her meditative work process. She is unaware of the magnitude of what she's creating. The fabric flowing down resembles a river, symbolizing her boundless potential. When you love what you do, your possibilities are limitless. This river of inspiration carries her work and ideas forward. Though the heroine appears small in the drawing, she is the true center of her world."
Maryna Tsyhryk, WINGS Project Participant, Founder of the Splesk Brand and Co-Founder of Babusia, Poltava and Kateryna Lisova, artist
''For me, entrepreneurship is not just about freedom of choice and action, but also about the chance to convey meaningful messages in unique ways, adding joy and satisfaction to people's lives,'' – Maryna.
Kateryna: "Maryna touches on a topic close to my heart-cultural memory, which she brings to life through her work. Her jewelry, her clothing-all of it resonates with our heritage, something that has taken on profound significance since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Initially, I considered reflecting on her jewelry from her brand 'Babusia.' But, then I noticed her sweatshirts with prints resembling the windows of old houses. That symbol, to me, was the most striking and became the clearest choice.
A window is a layered symbol. It reflects both our cultural heritage and the 'window of opportunity' that the WINGS project opens for women. The eyes looking out from the house window represent Maryna's gaze, filled with hope and optimism. The glow around these eyes symbolizes her creative potential and her power to bring her visions to life. I used foil to make the image shine, giving it a magical resonance.''
The WINGS project (Women Included: Nurturing Growth and Security, 2020-2025) was implemented by Pact and funded by the Government of Canada. It offered a comprehensive package of services targeting rural, marginalized and vulnerable women in Ukraine to enhance their economic security by enabling their success as employees and entrepreneurs. Overall it reached 3 423 women.
The stories of WINGS entrepreneurs were amplified through leading Ukrainian media outlets, reaching a total audience of 2,455,870—a number that is expected to grow over time.
The contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of Canada.