The Secret Resilience of Women Whose Job is to Help Others
Published: Mar 8, 2024 Reading time: 7 minutes
Repairing damaged houses, restoring water supplies, delivering fuel briquettes, and rebuilding schools. Since we began working in Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have received help from us. Behind these figures is the titanic work of many people. But today, we want to showcase our tireless women. Each of them has daily worries about her family, as well as fears and fatigue. But despite everything, our heroines find the strength and resources to help other people. We asked our colleagues a few questions to learn what gives them strength in these difficult times and to highlight their contributions to the humanitarian cause.
About myself and helping people
My work is probably the best part of my life. I have had many experiences, difficulties, ups and downs. In times of crisis, people can lose their support and faith in themselves and others. I believe that by providing humanitarian support, I help people regain their faith and find new support. It doesn't matter whether it's a food parcel or a grant to restore a business. Every action advances the spirit of support and hope for tomorrow. Ukraine really needs this.
Professional achievements
I always try to do more and better than is required. At People in Need, my activities have changed several times in 2 years and consistently a step higher.
About motivation and resources
I am inspired by the results of my work and the gratitude of the people who have received our help. But it is sometimes challenging to find resources—especially when we hear explosions close to our home at night. Overcoming fear and using common sense is my first step. I list everything valuable to me: my daughter, my husband, my parents, a full and conscious life... and start planning. This is my way of survival. It gives me a sense of stability and strength.
An unobvious fact about myself
In my last year of university, I was expelled for absenteeism. My mother never found out. However, I completed university and later received another two higher education degrees. For me, this is a lesson that every choice I make should be conscious, not trendy or forced.
About myself and helping people
I love my job because it relates to children. As part of the project, we are restoring schools damaged by Russian aggression, creating Digital Learning Centres, and making up for educational losses—we are doing everything we can to reduce the impact of war on the life of a particular child.
Professional achievements
My most significant achievement is that I am doing precisely the work that I think is right at this time.
About motivation and resources
I am motivated by the support of my family and friends and the belief that I am doing a useful job. As for resources, I keep my focus on the things that are important to me—safety and well-being, my own and my family's, and feedback from the people we help. Well, and the usual things - good food, sleep, rest, communication with people I love and who love me.
An unobvious fact about myself
I would not say I like to cook. I can cook well, but I don't enjoy it)
About myself and helping people
I work to support the recovery and resilience of Ukrainian communities. This means that together with local organisations, we look for ways to improve people's mental health, increase their income, and support young people to be agents of change in their communities. Together, we make the voices of communities heard, especially women, displaced people, youth, older people, and people with disabilities. We also study the impact of war on the environment and support the use of renewable energy for critical social and housing institutions while promoting environmental and climate change initiatives at the local level.
Professional achievements
I have recently taken on a new, more responsible position in the organisation. And I learn every day from colleagues, partners, and the people we help. I hope to see changes at my level soon so that I can feel a sense of significant contribution and achievement.
About motivation and resources
I am motivated by the fact that we are uniting the efforts of people and different organisations for one goal: to rebuild Ukraine—not only better and safer but also the way the communities see it. In my spare time, I like to do pottery and candle making. It helps me cope with a very dynamic work environment and a challenging security situation.
An unobvious fact about myself
I don't drive. Instead, I like to go to the forest to the river, for long walks.
About myself and helping people
I work in the logistics department, where every day brings new tasks and challenges. My work includes thee provision of offices and warehouses, transport - cars and trucks. But the most essential part of our work is the delivery of goods, materials, and equipment to people affected by the war. I have a great team. Everyone here has a great sense of humour, a lot of charisma and inexhaustible energy. We are united by the desire to make small contributions to the great cause of supporting people and the country in their time of need.
Professional achievements
From the first days of Russia's full-scale invasion, we responded quickly to the tragic events. We expanded and established operations in 10 regional centres and opened 5 large warehouses with 10,000 square metres of space. I am proud of these results.
About motivation and resources
Irony helps me. Perhaps it is a defensive reaction, but it is effective. My main resource is my family. My youngest son is an inexhaustible source of energy. I must admit that after work, I am not always ready to take part in all the fun he comes up with, but sometimes there is no choice. After all, play heals, and fatigue disappears.
An unobvious fact about myself
Have you seen the cartoon about Cheburashka and the crocodile Gena? There was a rat named Laryska. I always thought that rats were unpleasant, but I changed my mind dramatically. Because now we have our own Laryska. She is an intelligent and beautiful animal, incredibly gentle and loyal. That's how it is!
About myself and helping people
I have spent 10 years of my life doing social work. I've been working at People in Need for two years now, and I can't imagine what could have been different. We are currently implementing a project to improve people's access to emergency assistance. Victims of war really need our support. I am happy to be a part of this work in my native Poltava Oblast.
Professional achievements
Of course, this is my team! Our officers and psychologists work well together and always support each other. I was also lucky enough to build great relationships with the communities where we work. Now, community leaders consult us on humanitarian issues. The situation is very different from the first months of the full-scale invasion when people in the settlements knew little about international support.
About motivation and resources
I am motivated by people their relentless desire to help others despite their own situation. I feel strong from the support of my family and from travelling. I believe in victory and live for the future, making my contribution every day through small things.
An unobvious fact about myself
I really like challenges. I like to achieve results—it inspires me. Once, the final of my competition for the best version of myself was winning a car.
About myself and helping people
I started my career in Dobropillia as a green movement activist. Now I have been working in the humanitarian field for three years. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, together with People in Need, we have implemented three humanitarian projects worth UAH 10 million. In addition, we created a space for children's development and psychological self-help groups, helped people prepare for the winter, and supported internally displaced persons.
Professional achievements
Our robust team of volunteers is our main achievement. More than 50 people have already joined us and help for free. We distribute and form humanitarian kits, collect needs and deliver aid. Our volunteers are our strength! Cooperation with People in Need is also our achievement. We have created synergy and a feeling that we are able to overcome any obstacles.
About motivation and resources
The fact that we are responsible to people is very motivating. We see the results and feedback from the residents who receive help, and it inspires us. My mother once said: "Are you going to help? Then help! Someone has to look after and help older adults. You can do it." My mother's faith in me has become my source of strength. In addition, meditation and communication in the women's community of which I am a part help me a lot.
An unobvious fact about myself
I am sure that only love can save our planet and the universe from extinction. That's why I start every day with words of love for all people.
