On September 13-15, New Jersey hosted the XXXIII National Convention of the Ukrainian Women's Union of America, which has more than 60 chapters across the United States. Union representatives discussed current issues and demonstrated their unwavering support for Ukraine. In 2022 alone, the organization provided $20 million in medical and humanitarian aid, and in 2023 - almost $3 million.
This was reported by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.
"I had the honor and pleasure to address the 33rd Convention of the Ukrainian Women's Union of America (UWUA), one of the oldest and most respected Ukrainian organizations in America, in New Jersey. Throughout its nearly century-long history, the organization has implemented thousands of charitable, cultural, and educational projects and tirelessly advocates for Ukraine's interests at various levels and platforms. I was pleased to see many young people among the participants, representing different waves and generations of emigration", Markarova said.
The Ukrainian National Women's League of America will continue to operate under the leadership of re-elected President Natalia Pavlenko.
"For nearly 100 years, the Ukrainian Women's League of America has been a leading voice for Ukrainian women and the Ukrainian community in the United States. It has also forged strong ties with Ukraine and played an important role in the nation's struggle to survive against almost insurmountable odds", said Ms. Pavlenko.
She also reported on the activities of the organization, which has more than 60 chapters across the United States, over the past three years.
"Today, our community faces new serious challenges to its survival. One of the biggest is Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Unwal's first response was to stand in support of Crane in 2022. We co-founded the American Coalition in Support of Ukraine and the united Ukrainian organizations Across the Nation the Coalitions Ukraine Action", she added in the report.
The Bring Back Ukrainian Children campaign focused on the 20,000 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. In 2022 alone, the coalition provided nearly $20 million in medical and humanitarian aid.
"Thousands of people in the war-affected areas received the necessary assistance and comfort, paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups of the population - children, women and the elderly", Pavlenko said.
The organization also provided direct support to women on the front lines and actively countered Russian and Western propaganda.
"Our manual "Decolonizing Ukrainian Culture" helps Ukrainian activists fight inaccuracies about Ukraine in music, visual arts, cinema, and literature. And recently, even in cuisine. We have published a library toolkit to effectively support activists", she added.
The Ukrainian Women's Union of America also supports Ukrainian youth by providing six scholarships for students at the Ukrainian Catholic University in 2023-2024.Союз Українок Америки” підтримує українську молодь, надавши у 2023-2024 роках шість стипендій для студентів Українського Католицького Університету.
"And, of course, as we have done since 1932, we continue to educate the American public and draw parallels between what happened 92 years ago and the genocide unfolding today. We have much work ahead of us. However, I am confident that together we will meet all challenges as we have for nearly 100 years," concluded the UNWLA President. UNWLA.
Author: Inna Mikhno