Introduction

In the heart of Ukraine's Kherson region, a powerful yet quiet revolution is unfolding. A 77-year-old former high school teacher named Liudmyla has taken a courageous stand against the shadows of trauma that linger in the aftermath of war. Last summer, she gathered with a small group of women under a tent in her village, sharing her harrowing story of survival under Russian occupation.

“What I went through,” Liudmyla shared, her voice shaking, “I was beaten, I was raped, but I am still living thanks to these people.” Her words resonate with growing bravery among Ukrainian women, who are beginning to break the silence surrounding sexual violence amidst the ongoing conflict.

Grassroots Initiative

Since last year, Liudmyla has joined forces with other survivors, like Tetyana, 61, and Alisa Kovalenko, 37, to speak out about conflict-related sexual violence during village meetings. This grassroots initiative marks a significant shift in addressing one of the darkest aspects of the Russian invasion— the rampant sexual assault targeting Ukrainian women, a grim reality that humanitarian workers and prosecutors view as widespread.

Though only a fraction of women have come forward to report their assaults—344 cases of conflict-related sexual violence recorded since the invasion—women’s organizations believe the actual number could reach into the thousands. This harsh underreporting is partly due to the stigma surrounding sexual assault in Ukraine's deeply religious and conservative society, especially in rural areas.

UN Involvement and Advocacy

Notably, a United Nations report has documented various acts of sexual violence by Russian soldiers, but has not indicated evidence of similar crimes committed by Ukrainian forces. The urgency to illuminate these truths has fueled the efforts of organizations like SEMA Ukraine, founded by Iryna Dovhan, herself a survivor of a brutal assault during the 2014 conflict. In the past six months alone, SEMA has supported over 15 survivors in sharing their stories, expanding its membership to more than 60.

As part of their advocacy, Dovhan and her group are currently in New York for the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where they aim to showcase a documentary highlighting the experiences of women affected by wartime sexual violence. They are also appealing for the UN to recognize Russia as responsible for these crimes.

Personal Stories of Resilience

Liudmyla’s personal story stands as a testament to resilience. Encouraged by her daughter, Olha, she reported her assault to the police after escaping Russian-controlled territory. Her traumatic experience was marked by horrifying violence, yet she found a sense of purpose in sharing her testimony with others. “Thanks to this community,” she reflects, “I started to eat again.”

Kovalenko, a filmmaker and one of the first women to join SEMA Ukraine, emphasizes the importance of open dialogue in rural communities to dismantle stigma: "It’s important to talk in these village communities. It can help people understand they are not being judged.” She herself was a victim of sexual assault years ago, becoming one of the pioneering voices for survivors in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Tetyana, who manages a store with her husband, also found the courage to speak publicly for the first time amidst the chaos of the war. She recounted the harrowing night when soldiers invaded her home, ultimately leading to a violent attack that left deep psychological scars.

Ongoing Healing Journey

After months of psychological counseling and recovery, Tetyana revealed the persistent trauma she faces, including difficulties with physical intimacy. Her participation in SEMA's gatherings has been pivotal in her healing journey.

Conclusion

As more women share their stories, this movement marks a revolutionary step toward healing and justice in Ukraine. It sheds light on a struggle that transcends borders, signaling hope for survivors everywhere. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but for the women of Ukraine, speaking out is the first step towards reclaiming their narratives and confronting a reality marred by the shadows of war.