On March 12, 2026, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA), together with the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations and in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, will host a community meeting with Ukraine’s official delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women at the Shevchenko Scientific Society in New York.
This important discussion comes at a time when Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to have devastating consequences for civilians. Tens of thousands of war crimes have been recorded by Ukrainian prosecutors, including at least 484 documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence committed by Russian authorities, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. International investigators emphasize that the true scale is likely much higher due to fear, stigma, and barriers to reporting.
The event focused on survivor-centered approaches to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence, highlighting Ukraine’s leadership in developing practical support systems, advancing accountability, and strengthening international cooperation.
UNWLA representatives and Ukraine’s delegation to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
The program was moderated by Natalia Pavlenko, President of UNWLA. Panel speakers included Mariana Betsa, First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; Kateryna Levchenko, Government Commissioner for Gender Policy; Liudmyla Shemelynets, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity; Viktoriia Karpa, Deputy Head of the Association of Women Lawyers of Ukraine “JurFem”; Halyna Skipalska, Director of the Ukrainian Foundation for Public Health; and Olesia Bondar, Director of the Ukrainian Women’s Fund.
After the discussion, Natalia Pawlenko presented the UNWLA Centennial pin to Mariana Betsa as a symbol of the long-standing commitment of Ukrainian women in the United States to the continued support of Ukraine.
Lilia Shevchenko from NGO Territory of Women gave the book Moskovstvo, which will be a great addition to the UNWLA’s library.
The event gathered over 50 attendees — leaders and representatives of numerous Ukrainian organizations across the United States.
Through dialogue between government leaders, civil society, and the community, the meeting strengthened shared understanding of the challenges facing women and children during the war and amplified global efforts toward justice, healing, and lasting peace.
We are deeply grateful to the UNWLA’s NY Regional Council for organizing the event, to Oksana Sorochan from True Photo studio for making incredible images, and to all attendees for joining the event.
