Fresh survey data suggests that men dominate leadership roles in civil society organizations, creating a false perception that women aren’t actively defending our country’s independence, protecting the vulnerable, and championing democracy in Ukraine. To avoid this misperception and honor International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to launch a series of stories of the amazing work and achievements of women-led civil society organizations.
In this issue of our newsletter, we kick off the series with an inspiring story of Zakhyst, a Kherson-based organization led by Larysa Polska. Despite the challenges of Russia’s occupation, CSO has continued to deliver vital aid to the most vulnerable members of society. We visualize data for you on how civil society has adapted to wartime challenges, highlight the latest efforts of civil society to protect democracy, share useful tips from our expert to make your fundraising effective and offer information on grant opportunities
Join us and stay tuned throughout the month of March for more incredible stories of women making a difference!
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How did the full-scale war affect the activities of civil society? According to the “Civil Society of Ukraine in Conditions of War” study, released by ISAR Ednannia, the areas where CSOs were most active remained the same, but the priorities have changed significantly. Before the invasion, culture, sports, tourism (36%), and education (29%) were the most frequently mentioned CSOs’ activities. Since the start of the war, 43% of organizations prioritize the provision of aid to the army and victims of Russia’s aggression. Nearly 20% of organizations have completely refocused their activities to address war challenges, while 56% of CSOs are combining their pre-war work with new activities.
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Our stories
Building Hope: Woman-Led CSO Perseveres to Support Most Vulnerable
in the Occupied Kherson
On February 24, 2022, Ukraine woke up from deafening explosions that marked the start of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war that plunged millions of Ukrainians into a year-long nightmare. With the aggressor’s atrocious advance to occupy Ukraine, the strategic port city of Kherson was among the first captured by Russia`s forces. Life under the occupation left Kherson residents isolated and struggling for survival without access to essential medicines or communication services.
Despite the dire circumstances, Larysa Polska, founder and leader of the USAID/ENGAGE-supported Community Foundation of Kherson “Zakhyst”, and her team refused to give up. Push the button below to read a story of the unwavering commitment of CSO to the most vulnerable people of Kherson.
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Civil Society News
Ukrainian Civil Society Presents Sustainable Peace Manifesto
On February 20, representatives of Ukrainian civil society released the “Never again 2.0 Sustainable Peace Manifesto.” The document outlines steps to achieve sustainable international security, justice, and peace, including holding war criminals accountable, compensating for losses, and limiting Russia’s influence on international politics. The Manifesto also calls for demilitarization and denuclearization of Russia, abandoning Russia’s energy supplies, and rejecting notions of historical exceptionalism and territorial claims. The authors believe that these actions will prevent future aggression and ensure sustainable peace in Europe.
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Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine Assesses Anti-Corruption Progress During a Year of Full-Scale War
Over the course of the last 12 month, Ukraine has resisted a full-scale invasion while bravely upholding its commitment to democratic principles. Despite the challenging circumstances, Ukraine has become a candidate for European Union membership. Strengthening anti-corruption efforts is among the key requirements for joining the European family. To learn more about the progress made in this area during the year of the war, read the material prepared by Andrii Borovyk, the Executive Director of Transparency International Ukraine.
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Democratic Initiatives Foundation Presents Findings on the Impact of the War on the Lives of Ukrainians
On February 24, Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation released the results of the survey titled “Resistance to the Aggressor, Volunteering, Shelling of Infrastructure: How the Full-Scale War Affected the Lives of Ukrainians” conducted in partnership with the Razumkov Center. The survey revealed that almost every Ukrainian family has been affected by the war. 52% of respondents experienced power outages, 24% had a family member mobilized to the army, 21% reported a significant decrease in family income, and 17% had to separate from their relatives. Learn about other survey findings by following the link below.
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Crimean Tatar Resource Center Launches an Art Exhibition to Highlight Crimean Resistance to the Occupation
On February 23, the Crimean Tatar Resource Center in partnership with the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and the Ministry of Reintegration held a press conference titled “9 Years of Resistance” dedicated to the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea. The event was concluded with a presentation of the art exhibition highlighting Crimean resistance to the occupation. The posters created by the Ukrainian artist Andriy Yermolenko will be displayed in Kyiv at the Ukrinform information agency premises from February 23 to March 9.
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Center of United Action Launches a Policy Analysis Talk Show
On February 22, the Center of United Actions premiered the “An Outside Opinion” show that features discussions with international experts, politicians and researchers on policy-relevant issues. In the first episode, David Stulik, former press attaché of the EU mission to Ukraine and now senior analyst of the European Values Center, discussed the potential threats to European unity in supporting Ukraine, the outlook for successful reforms during wartime, and strategies for improving the effectiveness of the state by changing public perceptions.
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Opportunities
New Opportunities: USAID/ENGAGE is Looking for Qualified Specialists
We have updated the list of vacancies on the USAID/ENGAGE website! New opportunities include Senior Strategic Communications Advisor, Grants and Contracts Assistant, and Inclusion Program Officer. Click on the link to view all opportunities and do not hesitate to apply or share with those who may be interested! Follow the updates on our website in the “Opportunities” section.
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USAID`s Justice for All Program Announces Grant Competition
USAID’s Justice for All Program announces the grant competition aimed at reinforcing the role of CSOs in strengthening the justice system, promoting its accountability and improving access to its services. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2023, or until all funds of the Annual Grant Program are exhausted.
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Grant Competition for Anti-Corruption Initiatives
The Suppоrt to Anti-Corruption Champion Institutions (SACCI) Program announces a grant competition for anti-corruption civil society and media initiatives. The goal is to support projects that increase public support of and involvement in anti-corruption activities, as well as increase the transparency and accountability of the work of the government during wartime, transitional and post-war periods. Applications are accepted until June 30, 2023
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What We Read
USAID/ENGAGE Expert Shares Insights On How to Raise Funds for Civic Initiatives
The culture of giving is rapidly developing in Ukraine with various charitable initiatives underway. These include fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, providing aid to individuals impacted by the war, and rebuilding infrastructure. These endeavors are driven not only by the mission to serve the public good but also by effective fundraising campaigns. To learn more about effective fundraising tactics for your initiatives, read an article by Svitlana Kolodii, a Private Sector Engagement and Sustainability Program Officer at USAID/ENGAGE and an expert in fundraising and crowdfunding campaigns.
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Fleeing Ukraine: Displaced People’s Experiences in the EU Survey
The unprovoked and unjustified full-scale war against Ukraine has set in motion a mass movement of people not seen since World War II. Europe has shown tremendous support to and solidarity with the displaced people, welcoming and shuttling them to much-needed assistance. To better gauge their experiences, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) surveyed the EU countries to collect first-hand accounts of people as they journeyed from Ukraine to the EU. These findings will guide the EU and national policymakers as they search for solutions that best meet the challenges of those displaced by the war and their host countries.
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