The United Kingdom has generously contributed £1,237,624 to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Ukraine, funding crucial projects aimed at enhancing security and protection for women and girls against gender-based violence (GBV), including conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).
This significant donation underscores the UK's commitment to addressing the profound challenges faced by GBV and CRSV survivors amidst Ukraine's ongoing war and post-war recovery efforts. Since the escalation of the war in February 2022, 6 million people have sought refuge abroad, and 14.6 million Ukrainians are dependent on humanitarian assistance. This includes 3.5 million internally displaced persons, 2.6 million returnees, and 8.5 million residents remaining in conflict-affected areas. Women and girls exposed to war or displacement are two to three times more likely to experience GBV, particularly intimate partner violence.
"The United Kingdom stands with Ukraine in its efforts to protect and support women and girls affected by gender-based violence. This donation reflects our commitment to fostering a safer and more resilient future for all Ukrainians," says Martin Harris, British Ambassador to Ukraine.
Key Supported Initiatives Include:
"Break the Circle" National Information Campaign: The initiative raises awareness of the rights of survivors and opportunities to receive help in case of domestic and gender-based violence (GBV). Every year, the campaign reaches around 15 million people, challenging social norms that perpetuate gender inequalities, discrimination, and GBV.
Support Line for Men: This initiative enhances the men’s hotline capacity, originally launched in October 2022 with FCDO support. It aims to assist men in stabilizing their emotional state, finding internal resources to overcome challenges, and addressing problematic behaviour. The hotline is toll-free and confidential.
"No Trivia" Platform: Designed for adolescents, this project focuses on psychoeducation about healthy relationship dynamics and promoting zero tolerance towards GBV. Since its inception in 2022, "No Trivia" has evolved into a national-scale platform providing a safe space for teenagers affected by war hardships, including a Telegram bot offering text-based consultations with psychologists.
"Cities and Communities Free from Domestic Violence": This project develops municipal systems to prevent and combat domestic and gender-based violence. It supports survivors through services like shelters, crisis rooms, and psychosocial daycare centres.
Business and career hubs "VONA": 8 offline hubs and an online hub that operates throughout Ukraine. This initiative provides employability support and livelihood opportunities to enhance economic resilience among women and girls, empowering them to lead violence-free lives.
Supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these projects aim to strengthen the Ukrainian Government’s capacity to respond to GBV and CRSV. Leveraging UNFPA's extensive experience in combating GBV in Ukraine, the multifaceted approach targets the removal of barriers hindering women and girls from escaping violence cycles by 2025, while addressing underlying social norms perpetuating abuse.
"This generous contribution from the UK will enable us to continue our vital work in supporting survivors of GBV and CRSV. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and build a society where everyone can live free from fear and abuse," says Massimo Diana, UNFPA Representative to Ukraine.
By supporting survivors and strengthening local systems, this funding aims to foster trust in services, encourage reporting of GBV cases, and enhance Ukraine’s resilience during and after the war.
