Oksana, an internally displaced person and a mother of four young children, was once a successful entrepreneur. Before the onset of the war, she owned a confectionery business along with pastry shops. Now she is facing a difficult task: ensuring safety and well-being of her large family. The onset of the full-scale invasion shattered their peaceful existence, forcing Oksana to set aside her dreams and prioritize her own safety and safety of her family.
«Now, being 42, I find myself having to rebuild my life from scratch. Leaving everything behind in Donetsk was frightening, but staying there was no longer an option. During our time in the new city with my family, I lacked the courage and effort to begin anew. However, I accidentally came across a message about pastry courses on the community information resources where I now live. Since starting the training and receiving support from a career counselor, I have reignited my passion for pursuing my favorite profession», shares Oksana.
Upon completing the training, Oksana plans to continue baking and develop her pastry skills actively.
«I actively participate in charity sales at fairs, dreaming of opening a café. I take orders for pastries from people who have heard about me through word of mouth, from neighbors, and from people I have met. Currently, I am acquiring new skills at informational sessions. Once the training is complete, I’ll set up the social media page for my future pastry shop. I dream of returning to my favorite profession, as it was before the war. All of this newfound drive was spurred by attending pastry courses. My hands remembered, and my eyes lit up with plans for the future, which include realizing my own business», Oksana happily notes.
The “WE ACT II” project represents transformative support in Ukraine's economic landscape, fostering the economic empowerment of women across vulnerable groups such as internally displaced persons, survivors of gender-based violence, or women facing challenging life circumstances. With 300 women who have already completed specialized training and received essential starter kits, “WE ACT II” not only uplifts individual lives but also fuels the engine of economic growth.
Investing in the economic empowerment of women, especially during wartime, is essential for building human capital and driving long-term sustainable development in Ukraine. The project strengthens social cohesion by fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging within communities, promoting solidarity and cooperation among Ukrainian women. “WE ACT II” helps unleash the potential of women as drivers of innovation, productivity, and progress, laying the foundation for a better future for the Ukrainian nation as a whole.
The "WE ACT II: Women Empowerment Action" project is implemented by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund in Ukraine, with financial support from the European Union, in partnership with the NGO "Innovative Social Solutions".
