"Strength Through the Ages: Heroines of the Past and Present"

The VETERANKA movement and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in the Second World War joined forces to host an event dedicated to Ukrainian women defenders.

The program highlighted the continuity of women’s military tradition — from the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (OUN) to modern-day service — through a lecture by Iryna Kotsabiuk, head of the museum’s department for memorialization and the culture of remembrance.

A photo project by documentary photographer Marysia Myanovska offered a powerful glimpse into the lives of women currently serving on the front lines.

Attendees also met the heroines of the book “This Is Her War” («Це воює вона»): veterans, combat medics, and VETERANKA members Olena “Jane” Shargovska and Yuliia Shevchuk. The discussion was moderated by fellow veteran and combat medic Kateryna Pryimak, who also leads the VETERANKA movement.

The event featured a panel on memory and evolving practices of honoring Ukraine’s defenders, with speakers including:

• Kateryna Datsenko (NGO “Honor”),
  
• Yevheniia Podobna (journalist and author of “Girls Cut Their Hair,” “Her War”),
  
• Lera Lauda (Memorial Memory Platform),
  
• and Kateryna Pryimak (VETERANKA leader).
  

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this day of remembrance and tribute to the courage of our heroes and heroines.

A special expression of gratitude goes to Hero of Ukraine Volodymyr Zhemchuhov, who was also present at the event.