✨“Wherever there is a person, there is an opportunity for kindness.”
Spring 2022 – Millions of people were fleeing their homes in the first days and weeks of military action. Total uncertainty, overcrowded train journeys, and days-long queues at the border became a common experience for families with children. From the first months of the war, UNFPA Moldova and the Artemida Public Association created 🚚Women and Girls Safe Space Mobile Teams. Women and Girls Safe Space providing humanitarian, informational, and psychological support to Ukrainian refugees in Moldova.
💭“I realized the war had begun when I heard the roar of planes and explosions and saw the red glow in the sky,” Lidiya, a refugee from Ukraine who has been living in Moldova for five years, told me. Before the invasion, Lidiya lived in the beautiful city of Odessa. After retiring, she led an active lifestyle (sports, hobby groups, visiting the theater and exhibitions, walks on the beach), socializing with friends and celebrating the achievements of her children and grandchildren.
💭 “You could say that I live in two realities – the Moldovan one and the Ukrainian one. My heart and soul are in Ukraine.”
For five years, Ukrainian refugees have been living in a state of flux, trying to adapt to their new reality. Always in a good mood, with a welcoming smile and an enthusiastic attitude, Lidiya comes to meetings with the Safe Space mobile group. She actively participates in discussions about GBV and VF, enjoys learning relaxation techniques and is enthusiastic about psychological exercises.
💭“I come to these meetings for emotional support, for new knowledge and for the opportunity to receive individual psychological help. I feel safe with you. I thank UNFPA and AO Artemida, as well as the entire team and staff, for this opportunity. Your assistance has become a reliable support for us and we greatly appreciate the professionalism, responsiveness and involvement of your team. Thanks to your involvement, we can overcome difficulties more easily.” These are the words of gratitude we heard from Lidiya during our recent meeting, Liliana, the team psychologist, tells us.
Each story reminds us of how important it is to be close to each other and to provide a safe space to those who need it most. 💙💛
🧡 We are convinced that only together, through joint, consolidated efforts, can we face the challenges.
