If you missed part one, you can find it here!

The experiences of Ukrainian female veterans

The organisation not only supports female service members but also showcases their stories on its platforms, including through articles and podcasts. Additionally, it collaborates with various media outlets and has helped produce over 300 pieces of content for both Ukrainian and foreign media, focusing on female defenders and veterans.

The movement brings together female veterans and active service members from across Ukraine. Each story is unique, yet they are all united by a common goal — to defeat the enemy.

Olha Berezhna

Olha Berezhna. Photo source: The Women Veterans Movement.

Olha Berezhna, known by her call sign “Phoenix”, worked as a cook in a school and kindergarten for 20 years before the full-scale invasion. Now 45 years old, she serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Olha joined the military because of her son, who had served on the front lines since the start of the full-scale war. During this time, he sustained four injuries and suffered six concussions, which significantly impacted his health. Despite this, the military medical commission deemed him fit for service. Olha enlisted in the armed forces to effectively replace her son.

“At first, I underwent basic training as a shooter, followed by additional training for a grenade launcher. There was a mountain of paperwork and transfers; everything seemed to be going as planned. The transfer was scheduled for 16 October, but my son was killed on the 14th.”

Photo source: The Women Veterans Movement.

Olha recalls that her fellow soldiers helped her cope with the loss of her child. Over time, she discovered a talent for medicine and underwent training again, which led to her being assigned to the combat zone.

“I promised my daughter that I wouldn’t go to the front lines, especially after her father was also killed a year and a half ago while liberating Kherson; he was a scout. But there are others’ sons and daughters here who also need help.”

In the summer of 2023, Olha learned about the Women Veterans Movement from a sister-in-arms. Since then, she has received assistance from them multiple times, including military uniforms and boots, underwear, medical supplies, backpacks, stoves, sleeping bags, and other essential gear. Olha appreciates that the organisation even responds to night calls, emphasising that women in the army can persevere thanks to the caring volunteers.

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The 1021st day of a ten-year invasion that has been going on for centuries.

One day closer to victory.

🇺🇦 HEROIAM SLAVA! 🇺🇦