As the conflict in Ukraine continues, women who arrived in Moldova are experiencing significant changes in their lives. For many, the past year has been a time of upheaval, displacement, and loss. Yet, despite the challenges they have faced, these women are emerging as a new generation of Ukrainians: resilient, strong, and determined to build a better future.

This new generation of Ukrainian women is marked by their resilience, strength, and determination. They have learned to adapt to new challenges and to find opportunities where others see only obstacles. They are creative, resourceful, and capable of overcoming even the most difficult of circumstances.

Despite the hardships they have faced, these women remain hopeful for the future. In times of uncertainty, they have clear plans to return, give back and build back better.

***

The UNFPA Safe Space in Chisinau is a place where these refugee women, youth and older persons get together and build connections. The 28 Safe Spaces across Moldova serve as a hub for health referrals and information.  Here, both Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan population receive support and counseling, and get information on specialized services related to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health. 

For Svetlana from Odesa, the decision to leave her home with her two children was a difficult one, but it also brought newfound strength and resilience. "I was scared and lost, but in the process, I became a new person," she says. "Now I know that I am well equipped to handle whatever life throws my way."

"Life is unpredictable," said Yuliya from Mykolaiv.  "We were once hung up on planning out our lives, but the war changed all of that. It taught us to seize the day.  Most importantly, we stopped and realize that people who surround us are needed and matter the most.  I learned to be adaptable and embrace obstacles as opportunities. We now understand that everything happens for a reason and that challenges can help us grow stronger."

Yuliya arrived in Chisinau from Odesa with her two children, mother-in-law, and her husband's brother who has a disability. 

"I carried a heavy burden on my heart and shoulders," says Yuliya. "But the Safe Space provided me with a lifeline. Through creative projects and art therapy, I learned to prioritize my mental health, something that was not possible before as an entrepreneur. This experience opened up a new path for me to discover and grow."

"Imagine being alone with kids in a foreign country, and not knowing where and how to live," shares Alona from Odesa.  "If a kid gets sick, what do you do? What’s most important for mother? It is the well-being of the family and children.  The accents in our lives have changed dramatically.  We learned to settle for very little.   We have a shelter, roof over our heads and we are so grateful," she said.  

The war has forced many successful women like Marina, Odesa, to leave their comfort zones in search of safety for their families. "It wasn’t easy to learn to ask for help and we are so grateful for the support we received," she says. "The war taught us the importance of relying on each other, building connections and being grateful for the kindness of others."

For Marina, explaining the war to her children has been a heart-wrenching experience. "They ask questions that I don't have the answers to - why did grandma stay? When will we be able to return home? What happened to our house? It breaks my heart to see the confusion and uncertainty in their eyes," she says. "But I try to reassure them that we are safe now and we will get through this together." 

Despite the challenges, Marina and her family have undergone a fundamental shift in her identity. "We are now part of a new generation, myself and my children - a strong generation, that is focused on building a better future for our nation and our people," she says.

One year into the war, the challenges of rebuilding the country remain daunting. Yulya, also from Odesa, a mother of two children, understands the magnitude of this task, “Time moves on and some who fled in search of safety have started new lives, found jobs, and created families in new countries,” she says. "Stories are different, however the ambition is the same for all – to contribute to our country’s economy wherever we are." 

We have a saying that “We went to sleep on 23 February but прокинулися 24 лютого [UKR: ‘woke up on 24 February]”, all women said in unison switching to Ukrainian language.  

“Something special happened,” says Alla.  “The war destroyed half of our country, but it couldn't destroy our spirit and only renewed our sense of national identity.”

As Alla added, "We suddenly no longer dwell on the past anymore. Instead, we look towards the future with ambition and determination. Whether we are at home or in a new country, we will stay united and contribute to building a better future for ourselves and for Ukraine."