"For 21 years, we lived together. The last 10 years were no longer a life. It was unbearable."

These are the words of Olha* (name changed for safety), who endured years of abuse at the hands of her husband. His love had turned into hatred – not only toward her but also toward her children from a previous marriage. "He started insulting and humiliating them," Olha shared. "And so, we lived our entire life like this. I didn’t feel like a human being at all."

Years of isolation stripped Olha of her independence, hope, and even the simplest pleasures in life. "I didn’t know what it was like to look in a mirror. I didn’t know what it was like to see a poster for ice cream and actually buy it. I wasn’t allowed to. Simply not allowed," she recalled.

Her journey toward freedom began with a small but symbolic act: taking off her wedding ring. With the support of a UNFPA-backed psychosocial support (PSS) mobile team, supported by Norway, Olha found the courage to reclaim her life, one step at a time. Such mobile teams that work across Ukraine reach survivors of gender-based violence, offering psychological assistance, practical guidance, and referrals to shelters or daycare centres if needed.

"Thanks to the mobile team, I took off the ring. I felt freedom when I finally took off the ring," Olha said.

The PSS mobile team specialists walked alongside Olha as she rebuilt her sense of self, providing her with emotional support and practical guidance to regain control of her life. 

"They helped me become a human being again," Olha said. "They supported me, guided me, and showed me that there was no hope in going back to the life I had before. I became a person, a woman." The team gave her the tools to heal, and gradually, Olha began to rediscover life’s joys. "This – this is real life," she said.

Olha’s story illustrates the resilience of survivors and the transformative impact of psychosocial support. It also highlights the critical importance of joint action in addressing gender-based violence and supporting women and girls in crisis.

Olha’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of collective action, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is hope for recovery and a brighter future for all.

Norway has consistently demonstrated its leadership in advancing support for survivors of gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women and girls in Ukraine. Its recent contribution of NOK 20 million (approximately USD 1.75 million) to UNFPA Ukraine’s Humanitarian Thematic Fund exemplifies this commitment, ensuring that vital services continue to reach the most vulnerable.

This funding will help expand access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare and gender-based violence services in Ukraine, focusing on areas most affected by the war. Norway’s flexible contributions enable UNFPA to respond quickly to urgent needs, ensuring that resources reach the people who need them most. From strengthening psychosocial support mobile teams to providing survivors of gender-based violence with safe spaces, sexual and reproductive healthcare, and essential services. 

In these challenging times, Norway’s contributions show its strong commitment to human rights, resilience, and empowering women and girls. Together, we can work toward a future where everyone has the chance to heal, rebuild, and live with dignity, even in the hardest circumstances.