«Leaders of freedom: 5 stories of the resilience of women who shaped Ukraine in the 20th century»

Today, as Ukraine continues its fight for independence and its future, it is crucial to speak about those who contributed to preserving the Ukrainian national identity.

The heroines of the lecture «Leaders of freedom: 5 stories of the resilience of women who shaped Ukraine in the 20th century» provide an inspiring example of strength, showcasing the true power of women and their ability to change the course of history, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

The lecture will introduce the lives of women who became embodiments of the spiritual resilience of the Ukrainian people:

Olena Stepaniv — the first female officer in Ukrainian history, a second lieutenant of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen.

Khrystyna Sushko — the only female officer of the Ukrainian People’s Army (UPA).

Kharityna Kononenko — a public activist, volunteer, writer, and trendsetter.

Maria Bachynska-Dontsova — an activist of the women’s movement and a diplomat of the Ukrainian People’s Republic (UNR).

Sofia Rusova — the founder of Ukrainian preschool pedagogy and a UNR government official.

These women acted at the crossroads of empires and endured under totalitarian regimes. Their stories were often erased from national memory, but now we must honor those whose names and unwavering resilience laid the foundation of Ukrainian statehood.