The photo exhibition "Voices of the Brave" tells the stories of 24 Ukrainian female medical workers from all over Ukraine. These stories reflect their courage, resilience and dedication to continue supporting their patients and working near frontline areas, even in the most challenging conditions. 

The exhibition is available in Kyiv at the National Centre “Ukrainskyi Dim” (2 Khreshchatyk St.) from July 26 to August 1, 2024. It is organized by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and with the financial support of the governments of France, Iceland, and the Netherlands. 

“On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I thank our partners and all healthcare professionals in Ukraine. I was deeply impressed by the story of Daryna Kucher, an obstetrician-gynecologist from Mykolaiv, who highlighted that through hard work when you manage to help someone, you realize you are on the right path. This sentiment resonates because I am confident that every healthcare worker feels the same way. You are role models, and we are proud of your work. Your contribution to people's health is invaluable,” – Serhii Dubrov, First Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine.

“As of February 24, 2022, 1,637 healthcare facilities were affected by attacks according to WHO. This significantly limited the availability of medical services and endangered the population's lives and health. In response to this challenge, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has implemented a range of medical services in 23 regions of Ukraine, supporting the national health system and partnering with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. At this exhibition, you are not just seeing doctors; you are seeing women who protect the future by ensuring delivery of babies and caring for women's health. All health workers of the exhibition are involved in sexual and reproductive health services supported by UNFPA. Some work in mobile gynaecological teams, others in mobile gynecological clinics, and perinatal centers that we support," – said Mustafa Elkanzi, UNFPA Senior Emergency Coordinator/Deputy Representative in Ukraine.

Robert Dekker, Head of the Political Section of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Ukraine emphasized: “The stories of these women doctors are a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering women in their professional endeavors. The Netherlands stands with Ukraine in supporting the health sector and ensuring professionals have the necessary resources to continue their vital work. Their courage and perseverance are a source of inspiration for all of us.”

This project would not be possible without the medical staff who agreed to share their stories. "Since the start of the full-scale invasion, we, as medical professionals, have faced numerous challenges. We have been covering all the needs of our patients, working day and night. Each of us has been not only a doctor or a midwife but also a nurse, psychologist, and sometimes even a cook. Many people have left, and we practically lived at work, supporting each other in difficult times," – added Nataliya Geints, an obstetrician-gynecologist at the Kyiv Regional Perinatal Center.

The "Voices of the Brave" project is more than an exhibition. The project aims to create visual narratives and psychological portraits of healthcare workers who save lives and provide medical services during the war. Each interview distilled a keyword that became part of the "Voices of the Brave”. 

The portraits were created by female photographers, emphasizing the solidarity among women and enabling a deeper portrayal of the inner world of these women. In addition to photographs, the project includes excerpts from interviews with the medics. You can listen to them on the project website https://www.voicesofbrave.com/. By clicking on the image, you can learn more about her story and leave words of support for her.

We invite you to see and hear the stories of women doctors who, despite all difficulties, continue to help women across the country. Each of them is a story of bravery, resilience, and dedication.

The initiative is implemented as part of the humanitarian response of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and with the financial support of the governments of France, Iceland, and the Netherlands.