In a concerted effort to address and manage gender-based violence (GBV) and improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services in Ukraine, the United Nations Population Fund organized a field visit to Dnipropetrovsk and Mykolaiv oblasts from November 29 to December 1. The UNFPA team explored various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing support structures and creating safer environments for individuals facing GBV and reproductive health challenges.

The UNFPA team delived into the heart of crucial initiatives addressing GBV and advancing SRH services. Each site visit served as a chapter in the evolving narrative of resilience and support systems.

“In the realm where, reproductive health intersects with gender-based violence, our journey commenced with a meticulous review of our project at Dnipro hospital. Here, GBV-case management within the SRH component takes center stage, symbolizing our commitment to a comprehensive approach in meeting the needs of survivors,” remarked Mustafa Elkanzi, UNFPA Senior Emergency Coordinator/Deputy Representative in Ukraine, encapsulating the essence of the mission.

Moving forward, the team arrived in Pidhorodne city to scrutinize the Municipal Inclusive Specialized Service, with a particular emphasis on primary Psychosocial Support (PSS) consultation. Interacting with the PSS Mobile Team, collaborative efforts took center stage, echoing the perspective of Olga Revuk, Advisor on Deployment of GBV Essential Service Network: “Our focus on mental health services is not merely a consultation but a collective endeavor to foster inclusivity and accessibility.”

The journey continued with a visit to the Dnipro Daycare Centre, a testament to the tangible impact of the project “Cities and Communities Free from Domestic Violence" (CCFFDV). Witnessing the transformative outcomes of their intervention, the team observed firsthand the ripple effect, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the community.

A poignant highlight of the first day of the visit unfolded within the walls of the Dnipro Crisis Room, also a beneficiary of the CCFFDV project. This haven, pivotal in providing immediate assistance to individuals grappling with GBV and domestic violence served as a living testament to the UNFPA's unwavering commitment to fortifying local initiatives. As Kostiantyn Boichuk, Coordinator of the CCFFDV project expressed, “The Crisis Room stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the tangible outcomes of our dedication to supporting communities facing adversities.”

On the second day of the comprehensive field visit, the UNFPA Ukraine team redirected attention to the resilient city of Kryvyi Rih. Revisiting the Municipal GBV Shelter becomes a powerful reaffirmation of commitment to communities that have faced significant challenges. The resilience demonstrated by the people in this community serves as an inspiring force, motivating the team to persist in their mission of creating safe spaces for survivors.

A pivotal moment in their journey unfolded during a meeting with the team of the shelter and implementing partners. This strategic engagement, set against the backdrop of a community that had experienced shelling nearby, aimed not only to strengthen collaboration but also to enhance the effectiveness of the shelter in addressing the intricate needs of survivors. This underscores the importance of adapting interventions to the unique circumstances of the community, fostering a more responsive and impactful approach. 

Olena Hliebova, Operations Manager, emphasized the significance of witnessing their work firsthand, stating, “It is very important to see my job in reality, not in numbers only. Being on the ground allows us to truly understand the impact of our efforts on the lives of the people we aim to serve.”

The exploration of the Kryvyi Rih Municipal GBV Shelter also highlighted its inclusive nature, with all necessary provisions in place to cater to individuals with disabilities. This emphasis on inclusivity aligns with the UNFPA's commitment to ensuring that support services are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their circumstances.

Ekaterine Kristesashvili, GBV Area of Responsibility Coordinator, conducted a compelling presentation on the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024 (HNRP). Her insights added a crucial layer to the comprehensive field visit, shedding light on the future directions and strategies in addressing gender-based violence. 

On the third day of the extensive field visit, the team concluded exploration in Mykolaiv oblast, delving into the vital components of reproductive health. The visit to Mykolaiv Oblast Hospital, with its Perinatal Center at the forefront, epitomizes the commitment of UNFPA to elevate reproductive health services across the region. As Bohdan Pidverbetskyy, Reproductive Health Analyst at UNFPA Ukraine, remarked, “Our journey in Mykolaiv Oblast is emblematic of UNFPA's dedication to enhancing reproductive health services, ensuring that every individual in the region has access to quality care.”

During the visit to Mykolaiv oblast Hospital, a pivotal discussion on future project planning transpired with Maksym Beznosenko, the Head of the Health Department at Mykolaiv Regional Hospital. This engagement emphasized the collaborative approach of UNFPA, aiming to align projects with the specific needs and goals of the local health department.

In the pursuit of comprehensive reproductive health services, the UNFPA team had a meeting with the dedicated healthcare professionals of the SRH Mobile Unit during the field visit. Recognized as a beacon of innovation and accessibility, the SRH Mobile Unit plays a pivotal role in extending essential reproductive health services to diverse communities.

The final stop led the team to the Pervomaisk Daycare Centre, a poignant initiative focused on Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE). This particular facet of UNFPA's work highlights the organization's commitment to addressing the distinct needs of vulnerable populations during emergencies. In addition, the team held a separate meeting with the Mayor of the city, Oleg Demchenko. This meeting further exemplifies the UNFPA's dedication to fostering partnerships with local authorities. The collaborative discussions with the Mayor contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the local context, ensuring that UNFPA's efforts are well-aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community.

In conclusion, the UNFPA's field visit serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering positive transformations in the face of GBV and SRH challenges. By being on the ground, actively listening, and adapting interventions, the organization ensures that its initiatives resonate with the communities it serves, echoing a commitment to creating a healthier, more resilient, and empowered society. Furthermore, the visit illuminated the organization's perspective, as reflected in the words of Mustafa Elkanzi, UNFPA Senior Emergency Coordinator/Deputy Representative in Ukraine: "Our commitment goes beyond numbers. It is about understanding the real impact of our interventions on the lives of those we aim to serve."

UNFPA is grateful to the donors, whose contributions make vital humanitarian interventions possible: the USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), Sweden, Australia, Norway, the United Kingdom, France, Korea, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Belgium, the EU (DG-ECHO, DG-NEAR), CERF, Netherlands, Ireland, OCHA-Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, Japan, Canada, Iceland, Estonia, Czech Republic, the UN Partnership to Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) and Portugal, as well as to private sector companies and individual donors.