On November 25, the first day of the annual global campaign "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence", the National Opera of Ukraine hosted a solidarity evening titled "Hear in the Dark."
The event combined opera and ballet to symbolically depict the journey of survivors—from darkness to light. The unique program, created by Anatolii Solovianenko, People’s Artist of Ukraine and stage director, featured performances by leading soloists of the National Opera of Ukraine, the National Honored Academic Choir of Ukraine "Dumka," and the Ukrainian Radio Symphony Orchestra. The program emphasized the importance of empathy and support.
As a sign of solidarity with survivors, on the evening of November 25, the facade of the National Opera of Ukraine was illuminated in orange — the color symbolizing a future free from violence for women and girls.
The solidarity evening was attended by representatives of the Ukrainian Government, diplomatic missions, international organizations, public figures, influencers, and service providers working in the field of combating gender-based violence.
The event was initiated by the Office of the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna, with the support of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, and in collaboration with the NGO “UA Experts.” The event is part of the national communication campaign “Empathy Overcomes Violence. Take a Step,” implemented with the support of the Government of Belgium.
"Every year, together with our partners, we launch these 16 Days as a symbol of the fight against violence. But every day, we work together to hear and help every single person in need. Over the years, we have prioritized creating a robust network of support services, ensuring that anyone in need can access dignified assistance," said Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of Ukraine Olha Stefanishyna.
During the event, visitors had the opportunity to meet specialists from UNFPA-supported services who provide daily assistance to survivors of violence.
"Gender-based violence takes many forms — physical, sexual, psychological, and economic. It creates danger, instability, forces silence, and leaves unhealed wounds. In times of war, this becomes an even greater challenge for Ukrainian women and girls, who, despite these difficult conditions, demonstrate incredible strength and resilience. Our shared duty is to support them, to shine a light on this darkness, and to ensure their dignity, safety, and care. Together, we are here to help and to build a future free from violence," said Massimo Diana, Representative of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine.
"Belgium is proud to be a reliable partner of Ukraine in the fight against gender-based violence, working closely with the Government and UNFPA to ensure that help is always available when it is needed most. By supporting services for survivors across the country, Belgium recognizes the importance of creating safe spaces and providing psychological support for those affected by violence. These services not only save lives but also offer a chance to start anew for those who need it most," said His Excellency Luc Jacobs, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Ukraine.
Two professionals from the UNFPA-supported services were honored with special recognition for their outstanding contributions.
Olha Dovhanyuk, a lawyer at the Survivor Relief Center in Chernivtsi, was recognized by Ambassador Luc Jacobs for her dedication to providing legal assistance to those who have lost everything due to the war and to families whose loved ones remain in Russian captivity. Thanks to Olha’s efforts, she united 150 families of missing persons at a time when local support mechanisms were still underdeveloped.
Olena Shevchenko, a psychologist with the psychosocial support mobile team in Irpin, was recognized by UNFPA Honorary Ambassador Maria Efrosynina. Olena has worked with the team since its inception and is an example of humanity and professionalism. During the occupation of the Irpin community in 2022, she stayed with those who needed her most and actively supported local residents. Today, Olena provides daily assistance to survivors of domestic violence.
"This event was incredibly important, as is every opportunity to bring attention to the issue of gender-based violence in the presence of such a gathering of influential people. Violence deserves only one response—resistance. Everyone who attended the opera house has the power to strengthen this resistance. I am also deeply honored to have had the privilege of recognizing a service professional who has dedicated her life to helping survivors of violence," said Maria Efrosynina.
During the evening, nine real-life stories of survivors of gender-based violence were shared by prominent Ukrainians. Most of these stories were first presented during the 2021 social campaign “The Matter is” (Rich u Tim) by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and UNFPA. The event also showcased new stories reflecting the realities of the ongoing full-scale war, highlighting the continued relevance of these experiences and reminding the audience that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can be affected by violence.
Background
The solidarity evening was part of the "16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence", an annual international initiative running from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about violence and methods for its prevention and comprehensive response.
During the war, with worsening security and economic instability, the issue of gender-based violence has become particularly urgent, as the increase in incidents has a devastating impact on the lives of thousands of women and girls across Ukraine.
The Government of Ukraine, with the support of UNFPA and the international community, is working to strengthen systems to combat and prevent gender-based violence—particularly by creating a network of services to support survivors and increasing public awareness about the issue.
More information is available at https://rozirvykolo.org/.
