In New York, the Shevchenko Scientific Society of America hosted an enlightening lecture dedicated to the figure of Natalia Kobrynska, a writer, public figure and one of the founders of the Ukrainian women's movement. The event was organised by Chapter 64 of the Ukrainian Women's League of America (UNWLA). The lecture on Kobrynska's legacy was part of an international project to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the women's movement and the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian Women's League of America.
This was reported by UNWLA.
The lecture was given by Dr Alla Shvets, Deputy Director of Research at the Ivan Franko Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, member of the Ukrainian Association of Women Historians and Vice-President of the League of Ukrainian Women in Ukraine. She introduced Natalia Kobrynska as a figure who not only shaped the face of the first wave of Ukrainian women's activism, but also influenced the development of national literature and culture in the late 19th century.
"During the meeting, I was inspired by our incredible women who unite and do important things to support, popularise and advocate for Ukraine, preserving the spirit of Ukrainanness and sisterhood across time, borders and oceanic distances. As Olena Kysilevska, the renowned leader of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organisations, once said: "I am happy to have lived to see the seeds of Kobrynska scattered throughout our country!" Alla Shvets said.
The event brought together women of different generations who are now uniting in America to support Ukraine, preserve national identity and promote the voice of Ukrainian women internationally.
The initiative was reportedly supported by the Ukrainian Women's Fund and the Centre for Gender Culture. Its aim is to popularise the history of the Ukrainian women's movement abroad, establish international cooperation and strengthen the voice of Ukrainian women in the world.
Special thanks for organising the event were expressed to the allies of the 64th SUA Chapter, its Chairwoman Lidia Slyzh, Moderator Natalia Dobrovolska, SUA Chairwoman Natalia Pavlenko, Lyudmyla Vusek, Orysia Soroka and President of the Shevchenko Scientific Society in America, Vitaliy Chernetsky.
Background Natalia Kobrynska founded the "Society of Ruthenian Women" in Stanislaviv (now Ivano-Frankivsk), the first Ukrainian women's organisation to promote education and civil rights for Galician women. She also initiated the publication of the first women's almanac, The First Wreath, in 1887, which collected the works of women writers from all over Ukraine.
Kobrynska actively campaigned for women's right to education and equality, and tried to introduce kindergarten projects in rural areas to facilitate women's work. Her literary work included short stories and journalistic pieces that highlighted women's issues and social inequality.
Author: Inna Mikhno