As part of Women's History Month, the Union of Ukrainian Women of America, together with the NGO "SVOYA. Women's Network for Education and Development", held an international roundtable "To be a Ukrainian in the world - to be a Ukrainian of the world", dedicated to the historical path and evolution of the women's movement in the diaspora. Researchers, community leaders and representatives of Ukrainian organizations from different countries joined the conversation.
This was reported by UNWLA.
The organizers emphasized that the event was dedicated to the topics of preserving national identity, cultural diplomacy and the role of women in building Ukrainian institutions overseas.
During the online meeting, the participants spoke about the century-old heritage of Ukrainian women in America, women's activism in the diaspora and the significance of this experience for today, when Ukraine is once again fighting for its freedom. The focus was on women who have preserved culture for generations, strengthened civic life, and represented Ukraine in the world.
“Together, let’s honor iconic female leaders, talk about preserving national identity, cultural diplomacy, and the role of women in building Ukrainian institutions overseas.”
Oksana Lodziuk-Kryvulych, First Vice President of UNWLA, and Alla Shvets, Founder and Head of the NGO “SVOYA,” Doctor of Philology, addressed the participants with welcoming words. In her presentation, Shvets outlined the historical continuity of the Ukrainian women’s movement and its influence on state-building ideas and cultural diplomacy.
A separate block of the event was dedicated to figures who left a noticeable mark in the history of the Ukrainian women’s movement. Doctor of Historical Sciences Lyudmila Belinska presented a study on Lydia Burachynska, an outstanding cultural figure who dedicated her life to preserving Ukrainian embroidery traditions and cultural heritage in the diaspora.
For example, the head of the UAS (Washington) department, Irena Halupa, spoke about the life and legacy of Nadiya Svitlychna, a human rights activist, dissident, and cultural leader who, through her participation in the Ukrainian Helsinki Group, her broadcasts for Radio Liberty, and her publications, helped draw global attention to human rights violations in Ukraine.
And Kateryna Shmeha, a candidate of philological sciences, focused on the figure of UAS honorary member Hanna Dmyterko, a participant in the fighting during World War I and an active leader of Ukrainian public life. Her life path is a powerful example of courage, civic responsibility, and service to the community.
The participants of the event drew attention to the fact that this is not only about historical memory, but also about the practical experience of female leadership, which remains relevant in the context of war and global challenges. The moderation of the discussion was aimed at understanding how women's voices of the past help shape responses to contemporary social demands.
Also during the event, a collective monograph "Cultural and Artistic Achievement of Ukrainian Women: Nation-Forming Meaning" was presented, published in Lviv in 2025 with the support of the Ukrainian Association of Women. The organizers emphasized the importance of developing educational and research initiatives that strengthen ties between Ukraine and the diaspora.
The meeting ended with a joint emphasis on the need to continue such a dialogue in the future. The participants emphasized that honoring the legacy of Ukrainian women who shaped history remains an important step for strengthening women's leadership today and strengthening Ukraine's voice in the world
Photo: UNWLA
Author: Inna Mikhno