How Founders Support Women in Ukraine During War – Forbes

After months of war, the most recent reports show that over 5,300 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and over 7,000 injured. Moreover, more than half of Ukrainian children have been displaced.

These tragedies have united people to support those suffering near the battlefront. Jon Younger writes: “We have seen an extraordinary wave of aid to support Ukraine. Amid images of shattered streets and roofless buildings, the courage of Ukrainians in defending their country has energized the world.

Women have been a particularly important force for the good of the Ukrainian people. They have found various ways to use their creativity and resources to support those in desperate need. May their examples inspire everyone to do the same.

Support with donations

CEO and Founder Oksana Pali grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine. When she was 17, she moved to the United States.

“It was my mother who had the courage to leave the former USSR with two daughters,” says Pali. “She knew times might not get better. After all, Ukraine has endured generations of oppression from Russia. I didn’t speak English and it was a difficult adjustment for me. J I often cried myself to sleep for the first few weeks after we moved, dreaming of returning home to my beautiful Ukraine.”

After learning English herself, Pali earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. In college, she took photography classes on the side, where she discovered her talent and eye for the arts.

Pali started working on small inbound portrait projects until her business, Oksana Pali Company, became multi-platform with the addition of services such as personal branding and fine art. Pali also used his new skills to establish the Oksana Pali Foundation, which currently focuses on reconstruction and aid to Ukraine.

“My personal life has faced a big challenge since the invasion of Ukraine, and it’s had an emotional impact on me and my family,” Pali says. “Although it has been difficult for me to focus while my home country and my loved ones are suffering, it has also given me the strength and inspiration to create my latest project in hopes of helping them to rebuild everything that was broken.”

“With my fine art project to benefit Ukraine, I have created works of art of flora in multiple contexts to be sold with portions that will benefit her salvation in these difficult times. The pieces are solo visions of different flower species in ethereal close-up, levitation, and freedom-style environments. Initial inspiration for this project came from the national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower, which you can find in several pieces. I believe that this connection with the sunflower and its symbolism will also help to manifest the dream of better days for Ukraine and the whole planet.”

Support via social media

On March 1, 2022, Ella Jarmulska started a Facebook group titled Kobiety Za Kółko, Women take the Wheel. Jarmulska started the group after personally traveling to the Polish-Ukrainian border and seeing the need for refugee transport. Today, the group has more than 2,000 women who coordinate treks for refugees. Several other Facebook groups followed.

The Global Citizen action platform also used social media. For example, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed for help on March 6, Global Citizen launched Stand with Ukraine. On April 8, people around the world joined this rally by posting videos and messages urging leaders, governments, businesses, philanthropists and artists to send relief to Ukraine. A list of commitments made by government leaders and foundations is available on the Global Citizen website.

Among the female artists, performers and activists posted online to show their support were Katy Perry, Billie Eilish and Celine Dion. Oprah Winfrey also tweeted, “Today I join @GlblCtzn in thanking all allies who volunteered, donated, spoke out and risked their lives to #StandUpForUkraine. Refugees Ukrainians and refugees around the world need essential help.”

Earlier that month, Winfrey also shared an article drawing people’s attention to the atrocities in Ukraine:

“What we’re seeing in Ukraine and the world’s response to that is what we can do when we connect when we allow ourselves to imagine how the other might feel,” she said. . “We are witnessing something really powerful, and maybe it is the light under fire that we need to fight for each other instead of against each other. To remind us that our Democracy is something we have to work on and fight for, every day.”

What can you do?

If you are still wondering how to personally help those who are suffering in Ukraine, you are not alone.

Human rights activist Alyssa Wright reminds readers, “As global witnesses to a cruel and unnecessary war in Europe right now, it is natural to feel helpless. But, equipped with simple ideas and ways to give and act out of empathy, love and concern, women around the world can support the women of Ukraine and we feel connected that we have all, in some way, done our part to show ourselves in sisterhood.”

Consider donating to relief efforts in Ukraine today or ask your local congressman or senator for help for Ukraine. No action or contribution is too small to make a big difference for those in crisis because of war.