We stand with Ukraine symbol as numerous hands hold one another in unity with a wooden heart painted ... [+]
After months of the war, the most recent reports show more than 5,300 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and over 7,000 are injured. Further, 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've seen an extraordinary outpouring of assistance supporting Ukraine. Amid pictures of broken streets and roofless buildings, Ukrainian's courage in defense of their country has energized the world."
Women have been a particularly great force for the good of the Ukrainian people. They have found diverse ways to use their creativity and resources to support those in desperate need. May their examples inspire everyone to do the same.
Supporting through Donations
CEO and Founder Oksana Pali grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine. When she was 17 years old, she moved to the ... [+]
CEO and Founder Oksana Pali grew up in Kharkiv, Ukraine. When she was 17 years old, she moved to the United States.
"It was my mother who was brave enough to leave the former USSR with two daughters," Pali says. "She knew times may not get better. After all, Ukraine has endured generations of oppression from Russia. I didn't speak any English, and it was a difficult adjustment for me. I often cried myself to sleep for the first few weeks after we moved, dreaming of returning home to my beautiful Ukraine."
After teaching herself English, Pali received a bachelor's degree in psychology. During college, she took photography classes on the side, where she discovered her talent and eye for the arts.
Pali began working with small inbound portrait projects until her business, the Oksana Pali company, evolved into a multi-platform with the addition of services like personal branding and fine arts. Pali also used her newfound skills to create the Oksana Pali Foundation, which is currently focused on helping rebuild and aid Ukraine.
"My personal life has faced a great challenge since the invasion of Ukraine, and this has taken an emotional toll on myself and my family," says Pali. "While it has made it difficult for me to focus while my home country and loved ones are hurting, it has also given me the strength and inspiration to create my latest project in hopes of helping them rebuild all that has been broken."
"With my fine arts project to benefit Ukraine, I have created art pieces of flora in multiple settings to be sold with portions going to benefit its salvation in such trying times. The pieces are solo visions of different flower species in ethereal, close-up, levitating, and freedom-styled environments. The initial inspiration for this project came from the national flower of Ukraine, the sunflower, which you can find featured in multiple pieces. I believe this tie to the sunflower and its symbolism will also help manifest the dream of brighter days for Ukraine and the entire planet."
Support through Social Media
The action platform Global Citizen has also used social media. For example, after Ukrainian ... [+]
On March 1, 2022, Ella Jarmulska started a Facebook group titled Kobiety Za Kółko, Women take the Wheel. Jarmulska started the group after personally driving to the Poland-Ukraine border and seeing the need for refugee transportation. Today, the group has over 2,000 women who coordinate rides for refugees. Multiple other Facebook groups have followed.
The action platform Global Citizen has also used social media. For example, after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's call for help on March 6, Global Citizen launched Stand with Ukraine. On April 8, people worldwide joined this rally by publishing videos and posts urging leaders, governments, businesses, philanthropists, and artists to send relief to Ukraine. A list of pledges made by government leaders and foundations can be found on Global Citizen's website.
Among the female artists, entertainers, and activists posted online to show their support were Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, and Celine Dion. Oprah Winfrey also posted on her Twitter, "Today I'm joining @GlblCtzn to thank all the allies who have volunteered, donated, spoken out & risked their lives to #StandUpForUkraine. The Ukrainian refugees & refugees all over the world need critical assistance."
Earlier that month, Winfrey also shared an article calling people's attention to the atrocities in Ukraine:
"What we're witnessing in Ukraine and the world's response to it is what we can do when we connect when we allow ourselves to imagine what another might be feeling," she said. "We are witnessing something truly powerful, and it may be the light under the fire we need to fight for each other instead of fighting one another. To remember that our democracy is something we have to work on, and fight for, each and every day."
What Can You Do?
Young female volunteer smiling at camera while packing food and drinks donation into paper bags, ... [+]
If you still feel stuck wondering how to assist those suffering in Ukraine personally, you are not alone.
Human rights activist, Alyssa Wright, reminds readers, "As global witnesses to a cruel and unnecessary war in Europe at this time, it is natural to feel helpless. But, equipped with simple ideas and avenues to give and act out of empathy, love, and concern, women everywhere can support the women of Ukraine and feel connected that we all have, in some small way, do our part to show up in sisterhood."
Today, consider donating to Ukraine relief efforts or demand assistance for Ukraine from your local Congressman or Senator. No action or contribution is too small to make a big difference for those in crisis due to war.
