We see it time and again, all over the world: women and girls bear the brunt in times of crisis. As refugees and displaced people, they face more discrimination and more violence.

But we see this, too, in every crisis: women lead recovery. They are first responders, activists, humanitarians, changemakers, peacebuilders. They respond to disasters with resilience, and hold communities together in defiance of every hardship. I see it every day here during my time in Ukraine.

This International Women's Day, we at the IRC want to honor that leadership and celebrate the impact that women make by sharing stories with supporters like you. Stories of inspiration, of compassion, of courage. Stories that shine a light on the countless ways that women in crisis zones are making change happen.

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Olga (pictured above) grew up in Dnipro, Ukraine, and has been a dancer since she was just a little girl. For her, dance has been a source of joy, of self–expression, of community. And now, as she teaches classes at the IRC's women's center in Dnipro, it is something more: healing and hope for those affected by war.

The women's center serves the Dnipro community, including survivors of domestic violence and those who have been displaced by war. As a dance and fitness teacher, Olga sees firsthand the transformative impact her movement classes have on her students' health, especially their mental health. She finds it deeply meaningful to help her students feel safe, build confidence and see themselves in a more positive light.

Ukraine

More than a year since the war in Ukraine began, Olga is moved by the strength of the women in her country who've had to make impossible decisions to keep their families and themselves safe.
"I think that we're incredibly strong. Incredibly, incredibly strong... We can take the suffering that happens in our country... I think that the most incredible power that we have, it's our love. So I'm proud that I am part of this love and for all these women and I want to say to them that there is a place where you can be safe."
At a time when so many Ukrainians are suffering, Olga is glad the IRC women's center provides a safe space for women and girls, especially for those who have nowhere else to go.

When women are at the center of building safer, more equitable and peaceful societies, we believe they can change the world. This International Women's Day, remember the impact that women like Olga and her students make every day.

I encourage you to experience more stories like Olga's that shine a light on the countless ways that women in crisis zones are making change happen. »

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Thank you for all that you do to elevate women's voices and stand with them in making change happen.

— Joanna

Joanna Nahroska
Senior Communications Officer, Ukraine Response
International Rescue Committee

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