Daria’s journey from a life upturned by the war in Ukraine to becoming a pivotal figure supporting other Ukrainian refugees in Poland is a perfect example of the incredible multiplier effect of women’s leadership.
“As soon as the war broke out, I knew we had to leave Kyiv immediately,” says Daria, who made the perilous journey to Poland with her son and mother.
“We drove through Romania and Moldova, Slovakia and finally found accommodation in Warsaw. Looking back, the memories are foggy — I was only concerned about protecting my son and mother.
“I was going to a complete unknown,” she says. “I didn’t know where to go; I didn’t have a place to stay or a job to work.”
Upon her arrival, Daria found solace in the welcoming arms of the Polish community, who helped her find accommodation for her family.
“I’m inspired by both Polish women that open their hearts and work all day and all night to help Ukrainian women as well as Ukrainian women who struggle and who come to Poland who have to build their lives again and have enough power to do that and encourage and empower other women.”
Finally settled in Poland, Daria soon found a new purpose: supporting other Ukrainian refugees. Thanks to a CARE supported project, she found work using her language skills to help Ukrainian children integrate more easily into Polish schools.
“These children were able to escape Ukraine, but they have been left with the mental scars of what they endured.”
Daria then started working with CARE and other organisations led by women, some of whom, like her, arrived as refugees but have now found the strength to help others. Her work involves not just providing aid, but empowering other women to develop the skills to take on leadership roles. And knowing the challenges that Ukrainian women are facing helps motivate Daria in her work.
“I think it is very important to hear women’s voices, especially now during this crisis because the majority of refugees are women and children.”
“A woman who is fleeing the war, leaving everything behind and taking her child or children with her and having to deal with all the problems, all the difficulties — basically build a new life, finding a job, finding herself in a new society and also taking care of her children — this is a huge responsibility and an enormous burden,” she says.
“Together we can overcome all the difficulties, all the troubles; we can succeed in life and in these situations.”
By inspiring other women to rise, lead, and effect change within their circles, Daria highlights the indispensable role of women’s leadership in emergencies.
CARE is celebrating Daria and other inspiring women as part of our Her Circle campaign. Visit https://www.care.org.au/her-circle/ to learn more.
All images © Raegan Hodge/CARE.
